MICKEY Graham’s reign as Cavan boss got off to the perfect start as his charges edged out Down in a nip and tuck affair in their Dr McKenna Cup clash at Kingspan Breffni Park this afternoon.
Although Down were quickest out of the blocks, the first half was a cagey affair that ended with the teams tied on 0-6 apiece.
In the second half, Cavan, with a point from goalkeeper Raymond Galligan did go five in front, before a Pat Havern goal from the penalty spot put Down right back in it.
Conor McGrady drew the Mourne men level, but Conor Madden landed the decisive score for the Breffni Blues, the game finishing; Cavan 0-13 Down 1-9.
There were also wins for Donegal and Monaghan. Declan Bonner’s men ran out 0-21 to 0-11 winners against Queen’s University in Ballybofey.
The home side dominated from the off, as they led by four with less than 15 minutes gone.
Ciaran Thompson, Caolan McGonagle and Eoin McHugh all got their names on the score sheet, as, at the interval the students already trailed by eight points.
Queen’s kept trying right to the death of the game, but Donegal, who also had good displays from Lorcan Connor, Martin O’Reilly and Michael Langan were too good.
Monaghan meanwhile, were also too strong for Antrim in Clones on Saturday. The Saffrons competed well for most of the first half, but the home side still went in at the break five points to the good.
And, when James Mealiff goaled early in the second half, the contest was all but over. Malachy O’Rourke’s men led by 12 at one stage and eventually won by 10; 1-20 to 1-12.