GOALS from Oisin MacManus and PJ Davidson proved enough to see Down hold off for a 2-19 to 2-18 win in the face of a stern Armagh comeback in Wednesday’s Conor McGurk Cup clash in the Athletic Grounds.

MacManus’ goal had the visitors 1-10 to 0-4 ahead at the first water break and by half time Down were ten points ahead (1-16 to 1-6), with Armagh’s goal coming from a penalty by goalkeeper Simon Doherty.

By the second water break, Davidson’s goal had Ronan Sheehan’s side well in control (2-17 to 1-13).

A Shea Harvey goal gave the home side a way back into the game.  Two points each from Nathan Curry and Danny Magee fueled Armagh’s momentum, but Down held on for a narrow win.

It follows on from Tuesday’s opening games that saw Ulster University see off an Antrim U20 side and QUB hitting six goals in their win over Louth.

RESULTS
QUB 6-18 Louth 1-10
UU 2-20 Antrim 1-17
Down 2-19 Armagh 2-18

FIXTURES

Round 2
Friday, January 7
Armagh V Louth at Armagh at Athletic Grounds (8.00)
Saturday, January 8 (1.00)
Antrim V Donegal at Jordanstown
QUB V Down at The Dub

Round 3 
Thursday, January 13
QUB V Armagh at The Dub (7.30)
Saturday, January 15 (1.00)
UU V Donegal at Jordanstown
Down V Louth at Down Venue TBC

Final – Wednesday, January 19