Allianz Football League Divison Three, round seven
Down 3-15 Clare 1-10
THERE were a few jitters around after a off-colour performance in Mullingar last weekend but Down returned to form with a deserved victory over Clare to seal promotion to Division Two.
A two-goal second half salvo put the result beyond doubt with 20 minutes remaining and delighted Down manager Conor Laverty emphasised the value of promotion for his developing side.
“This is a big moment for this Down team,” he said.
“We are trying to tell these boys that they can compete with the best teams and, if you don’t get up, maybe they start not to believe that.
“I think they’ve believed everything we’ve told them and they are a great group of lads. The question was put hard to them this week: Was this going to be the moment? Did they want to stay as Division Three footballers all the time? I’m just delighted the way they answered it.
“That was a very mature performance today from a young squad. The learnings they’ll have playing against stronger teams, that is all we want to do.
“We want to bring the best teams in Ireland to Newry. The goal at the start of the year was to get to Division Two and we’ve done that. Now we want to push on and we want to be in the Sam Maguire.”
Down play runners-up Westmeath in the Division Three decider at Croke Park next Saturday night and that’s another challenge Laverty is looking forward to.
“There’s a lot of chat about not playing League finals but the more you play at Croke Park, and the bigger games you play in – especially for a young squad like this – that experience is vital.
“We’re just delighted to be getting another opportunity to get to Croke Park and compete for silverware.”