Down shock Carlow to boost promotion hopes

Meath bounced back to beat Wicklow

 

Down are suddenly right in the promotion mix in Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League after they produced the shock of the day at Ballycran, edging out Carlow by 3-20 to 3-18.

An early goal for Chris Nolan put Carlow 1-5 to 0-1 in front early on, but Down rallied and led narrowly at the break thanks to an Eoghan Sands penalty goal. A straight red for James Doyle didn't help Carlow's case, but they kept battling and it was only late in the game when Down moved six points clear and looked comfortable.