LOFTUS STRIKE DOES DAMAGE

A GOAL seven minutes into the second-half from Conor Loftus proved to be crucial as Mayo booked their place in Round 3 of the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers.

Down produced a battling performance to push the Westerners to the pin of their collar in front of a huge crowd and, had they taken more of their chances, the Mournemen could have been even closer at the end.

Ultimately though, the League champions justified their odds-on favouritism as they bounced back from last month’s disappointing Connacht semi-final defeat to Roscommon in Castlebar.

Despite conceding a goal after only eight minutes, and losing fullforward Darren Coen to a black card soon after, Mayo were in front at the end of a breathless first half by 0-10 to 1-03.

James Horan’s charges had settled quickly thanks to early points from Loftus (free) and Andy Moran, but Down’s Mooney then pounced for an inspirational goal.

There seemed to be very little danger when the former Australian Rules star picked the ball up, but he used his pace to beat two defenders before knocking the ball nonchalantly past David Clarke.

That score lifted the Down supporters out of their seats, and propelled the underdogs into the lead.

But Mayo’s experience showed from there to the interval as Horan’s side rolled up their sleeves and outscored their hosts by 0-08 to 0-03 over the next 32 minutes.

Loftus kicked three points (two frees) with Fionn McDonagh (2), Kevin McLoughlin, O’Shea and Chris Barrett also hitting the target.

The last 10 minutes were a blur as Down attacked in waves and tried to engineer the goal they needed to draw level.

To their credit, Mayo defended excellently with veterans Chris Barrett, Keith Higgins and Boyle all making crucial tackles and interventions.

DOWNED: Evan Regan is floored by Connaire Harrison