Down grind out extra time win over Wexford to take Division Three crown

Down 0-21 Wexford 0-18

Down needed extra time to eventually get their hands on Division Three league title, coming through a titanic tussle with Wexford.

The win not only sees Conor Laverty’s side capture the first bit of silverware of the season, but improves the probability of them competing for the Sam Maguire come the business end of the year.

Down looked in a good spot at half time of normal time, leading 0-13 to 0-10 despite missing a first half penalty from Odhran Murdock, but things dramatically after the turnaround.

Wexford controlled most of the second half, with Down going almost 30 minutes without moving their end of the scoreboard. Mark Rossiter was untouchable in the Wexford attack, kicking 0-6 in normal time, including a brace of two-pointers.

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Ryan McEvoy slotted over a late equaliser, and won the resulting kickout, providing Down with the opportunity to steal the victory.

After a prolonged period of keep-ball to play the clock down, the winning shot fell to substitute Tom Close, who fluffed the chance and led to extra time.

The Leinster side didn’t register a score in extra time, while man of the match Daniel Guinness, Ruairi McCormack, Adam Crimmins and Murdock, all split the posts for the Mourne men.

Down Scorers: O. Murdock 0-5 (1tp), P. Havern 0-5 (2f), C. Doherty 0-4, D. Guinness 0-2, R. McEvoy 0-1, M. Rooney, 0-1, A. Crimmins 0-1, L. Kerr 0-1, R. McCormack 0-1.

Wexford Scorers: M. Rossiter 0-6 (2tp), P. Hughes 0-5 (1tp), J. Higgins 0-2, D. Furling 0-1, L. Coleman 0-1, N. Hughes 0-1, S. Nolan 0-1, R. Brooks 0-1.