Down senior football team manager Conor Laverty. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Tailteann Cup Group Four
Down 1-24 London 0-10
By Conor Martin at McGovern Park
A strong second-half performance from Down was crucial in Ruislip.
London had surprised many with their win over Offaly on the opening weekend of the competition, and they set the tone when Ciaran Diver opened the scoring.
Down hit back straight away, thanks to Daniel Guinness, only for Shay Rafter to briefly put London back in front.
The Mournemen found their shooting boots. After levelling matters, Patrick Havern kicked a free to put Down in front.
Guinness and teammate Miceal Rooney joined in on the scoring action, and Down were suddenly four ahead.
Diver and Ruari Rafferty responded, but despite their efforts, they found themselves four down once more when Havern and Gareth McKibben raised white flags. By the half-time whistle, London reduced the deficit to three.
In the second-half, London looked like a shadow of themselves, their shape and composure was gone, and Down took full advantage.
Down had Havern, Guinness, and Ryan Magill keeping the scoreboard ticking over for them before Odhran Murdock dispatched a penalty to put Down 11 points up.
London could only register four scores in the second-half, and they came from the London-born Rafter, Josh Obahor, and substitute Tighe Barry, while Diver added another white flag to his tally.
Guinness, Murdock, Rooney and substitute Conor McCrickard all scored to wrap up Down's win.
Down: John O’Hare; Peter Fegan, Ryan McEvoy (0-1), Paddy McCarthy; Ryan Magill (0-1), Pierce Laverty (Captain), Shealan Johnston; Daniel Guinness (0-6), Odhran Murdock (1-1); Miceal Rooney (0-5), Shane Annett, John McGovern; James Guinness, Patrick Havern (0-6, 3fs), Gareth McKibben (0-1)
Subs: Danny McGill (0-2) for Shane Arnett (30’), Oisin Savage for Gareth McKibben (HT), Eamonn Brown for James Guinness (53’), Conor McCrickard (0-1) for Shealan Johnston (55’), Jonny Flynn for Patrick Havern (64’).
London: Andrew Walsh; Eoin Walsh (Captain), Cahir Healy, Ciaran McKeon; Oran Kerr, Liam Gallagher, Aidan McLoughlin; Michael Carroll, Joshua Obahor (0-1); Stephen Dornan, Daniel Clarke, Ciaran Diver (0-5, 0-3f); Ruairi Rafferty (0-1), Shay Rafter (0-2, 2fs), Fiontan Eastwood.
Subs: Nathan McElwaine for Fiontan Eastwood (12’), DJ O’Flaherty for Michael Carroll (22’), Joseph McGill for Daniel Clarke (52’), Tighe Barry (0-1) for Liam Gallagher (59’), Michael Miller for Aidan McLoughlin (59’).
Referee: Barry Tiernan (Dublin).
