Football

Cavan v Down - how the Mournemen rated

Ceilum Doherty celebrates his goal during yesterday's Ulster SFC semi-final clash at the Athletic Grounds. Picture by Philip Walsh
Ceilum Doherty celebrates his goal during yesterday's Ulster SFC semi-final clash at the Athletic Grounds. Picture by Philip Walsh Ceilum Doherty celebrates his goal during yesterday's Ulster SFC semi-final clash at the Athletic Grounds. Picture by Philip Walsh

Rory Burns: Down competed well enough off his kick-outs in the first half, but when Cavan pushed up hard after the break everything just kept coming back at the Castlewellan man. Had his pocket picked by Madden in the lead up to Cavan’s crucial penalty. 5.5

Patrick Murdock: Made two good blocks in an impressive first half but struggled when Cavan started launching balls into the square. Muscled out of it for the Madden score that reduced Down’s lead to a point. 6

Peter Fegan: Started on Pierson but mostly picked up the elusive Reilly and, apart from hauling him to the ground as he advanced along the line in the first half, did okay. 6

Kevin McKernan: Made an important block on the line to stop Killian Brady scoring a goal in the opening moments of the second half, but a penalty was awarded when he lifted the ball off the ground seven minutes after the break. Struggled when Cavan found their grrove. 5.5

Pierce Laverty: Had the legs on Paul Graham in the first half but found the going tough after the break. 6

Liam Kerr: Glided across the wet sod to create Down’s first half goal, and continued to pose a threat until the break. Surprised to see him taken off early. 7

Daniel Guinness: Gave away possession a couple of times when Down needed calm heads in the second half. 6

Caolan Mooney: Dangerous every time he got on the ball. Burst through several times in the first half, saw his low shot saved by Galligan’s legs after a run from deep. Even though much quieter after the break, still created the gilt-edged goal chance spurned by Poland. 7.5

Jonny Flynn: Limited McKiernan’s influence in the first half but couldn’t stop him ruling the skies after the break. Kicked a bad wide late on as Down chased. 6

Conor Poland: Worked hard as always and did okay on Galligan, but his diving attempt at goal – with Devlin waiting to finish – proved costly. 5.5

Ceilum Doherty: Another who worked tirelessly, and produced a great finish to rattle the net three minutes in. 7

Barry O’Hagan: Ran himself into the ground up and down the wing but, unlike a week earlier, wasn’t his day. 6

Paul Devlin: Excellent in the first half, landing a lovely point and a 45 but taken off in the second half. 6.5

Jerome Johnston: Looked destined for the Star Man award after a superb display of finishing in the first half when he bagged four from play and converted a mark. Passed up a goal chance before half-time and quiet after the break. 8

Donal O’Hare: Always a willing runner, and deadly from frees. 6.5

Substitutes

Shealan Johnston: Carried on running when he should have taken a mark and dropped his shot short. Scored the last point of the game. 6

Dylan Ward: Brought on to try and help Down get a hand on their midfield problems, but made little impact. 6

Corey Quinn: Brought on late to try and give Down some attacking impetus. Dragged down by Ciaran Brady as bore down on goal late on. 6

James Guinness: Made one late run. 6

Ryan Johnston: Not on long enough to be rated.