DOWN scored four goals against Wicklow on Sunday but one of the most impressive features of their nine-point win was the composed performance of goalkeeper Stephen Keith.
The Ardsmen had 2-3 on the board after 13 minutes but struggled for the remainder of the first half and captain Keith had to make a smart save to deny Gavin Weir as Wicklow fought their way back into the game.
In addition, Keith’s accurate and lengthy puck-outs into the wind meant Down were able to clear their lines and force the visitors to fire in hit-and-hope efforts from distance – they had 15 shots but eight
drifted wide.
“We did enough in the end, it was a good performance,” reflected Keith afterwards.
“It was a physical match and a tough game against Armagh helped us. There’s plenty of history between us and Wicklow – they relegated us three or four years ago and then they beat us in a play-off to go up into (Division) 2A.
“We beat them in the Christy Ring last year so we’ve built up a bit of a rivalry and it was good to get the win.”
That rivalry was obvious as soon as the teams lined out. Down full-back Padraig Flynn and Wicklow full-forward Anthony Byrne were both booked after an altercation before the ball was thrown in and referee James Clarke flashed three red cards in the second half.
Although Down led by three points at the break, the game was nip-and-tuck and Keith said the Ardsmen were determined to seize the initiative early in the second period.
“We said at half-time that they had missed a lot of scoreable chances so we were lucky to go in ahead,” he said.
“But we had a good start to the second half and our aim was to get a goal in the first 10 minutes and we got a goal and two points and we never looked back.”
The nine-point victory means Down are top of Division 2B, level on points with Mayo but ahead on scoring difference. The League leaders meet in a potentially crucial clash in Keith’s native Ballycran on March 6.
“We want to win every game in this League,” he said.
“We want out of 2B, we want into 2A and then, when we get that done, it’s Christy Ring. Hopefully we’ll make a big push in the Christy Ring.
“We’ve had two good results so far. We play Mayo next –they beat Meath today – so we’ll have to up our game again.
“We played them last year in the League and beat them and they’re a good, strong, physical team as well – most teams in this League seem a bit bigger than us but we’re looking forward to it. Two out of two is a good start.”
Keith will carry some solid form into the game and explained that a change of sliothar this season has added a few yards to his puck-outs.
“I was hitting the ball rightly there,” he said.
“They are good balls we’re using now – there’s not as big a rim on them and they’re easier to hit. They’re a good job.”
He added: “It’s nice to keep a clean sheet.
“The defence played well too and the forwards did the business today – four goals – and you can’t complain about that.”
