Pearson makes decent fist of it to seal vital late win for Offaly

IF Offaly end up playing in the All-Ireland series this summer, they may well back on this night as the game that saved their bacon.

John Maughan’s side scored four points in a row in the final seven minutes in Pairc Esler to snatch a first Division Two win of the season that is a huge boost to their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Lee Pearson’s fisted point in stoppage time might yet see Offaly avoid the second-tier Tailteann Cup. It was a dramatic turnaround, given Down held a 0-14 to 0-11 lead with four minutes of normal time remaining.

Offaly played with the wind in the first half and led 0-5 to 0-3 after 15 minutes. All their scores were from play, with Jordan Hayes, Bernard Allen and Ruairi McNamee’s efforts among their best. Down had plenty of possession, Caolan Mooney’s brilliant point after a surging run was a highlight, but were taking the wrong option at times.

It all changed, though, in the second quarter when Barry O’Hagan came to the party for Down. He scored four points from play in a 10-minute spell, with Offaly unable to contain him.

Conor Poland’s point edged Down in front for the first time after 24 minutes but Offaly replied with the final two points of the half to level things up at 0-8 apiece.

It was more of the same after the break, with little to separate two teams desperately searching for a first league victory.

The tempo and intensity of the game were noticeably upped in the second half and the contest became more open as a result.

Three times Down edged in front and three times Offaly responded, before a brace from Liam Kerr gave Down some breathing space. They fought hard to keep it too with a period of possession football played mostly between the ‘45’s.

Down then carved out the best goal chance of the game. Corey Quinn first hit the crossbar and, from the rebound, another sub, Odhran Murdock’s goalbound shot was deflected wide. Niall Kane nailed the ‘45’ to put Down three up with four minutes of normal time and the very real prospect of defeat seemed to stir Offaly into the best play of the night.

Bernard Allen and Niall Darby pointed and a free from ‘keeper Paddy Dumican drew Offaly level in the first minute of stoppage time before Pearson snatched victory.