Progression sought for Mournemen

Progression sought for Mournemen

21 February 2018

DOWN’S senior footballers are expected to continue their winning ways when they take on Clare at Pairc Esler on Sunday. 

Eamon Burns’ side go into their fourth NFL Division 2 fixture in buoyant mood after producing the goods to master Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park a fortnight ago.

All the shortcomings in the Down rearguard, exposed by Cork three weeks ago, were dispelled by the display in Roscommon.

Clare, who have yet to win a game in this campaign, may not have the physicality or the guile to deal with a Down side in full flow.

Clare could well be hampered by suspensions to key players Jamie Malone and Gordon Kelly, who were sent off against Tipperary, and Down could well do their score difference no harm at all with these two out of the way.

Down really gelled against Roscommon with defenders hunting in packs and the forwards displaying creativity and hunger.

Bryansford’s Marc Reid should keep his place in goal after he replaced Shane Harrison, who was targeted by Cork, and a full back line of Colm Flanagan, Benny McArdle and Anthony Doherty are growing in stature with every game.

McArdle is also used as an attacking outlet and his distribution, quick-thinking and an eye for an opening are crucial to Down’s aspirations.

Darren O’Hagan, Niall McParland and Caolan Mooney starred in the half back line last time out, but consideration must be given in this sector to a fully fit Darragh O’Hanlon and Kevin McKernan, who seems to be out in the cold at the minute.

Niall Donnelly and Conor Poland are bedding in nicely in the middle of the park with Kilcoo’s Aaron Morgan also helping out in this sector.

Waiting in the wings for a chance to man the engine room are Bryansford’s Davy McKibben, who can also play in any of the six defensive positions, and Downpatrick’s Peter Turley.

Shay Millar, Conor Maginn and Ryan Johnston seem likely to start in the half forward line, but they have Barry O’Hagan, McKernan, Conor McGrady and Niall Madine breathing down their necks.

Connaire Harrison is still missing through suspension after he picked up a red card against Cork, but Burren’s Donal O’Hare did nothing wrong against Roscommon and he may well lead the attack again with Barry O’Hagan.

However, a blow for Burns came over the weekend when Gerard McGovern announced he was taking a break from the county panel. “Gerard is an experienced player, but he has decided to take a wee bit of time out and I have to respect that decision,” he said.

Burns was also fulsome in his praise of Donal O’Hare and the impact he has made over the last few games.

“Donal came on in the second half against Louth and, probably by his own admission, he had a quiet game against Cork, but did well against Roscommon, he took some good scores in the first half.

“Obviously, the team isn’t picked and positions are up for grabs and they’ll be contested heavily, but Donal coming into a good bit of form is encouraging for everybody,” he added.

“We’re under no illusions that Clare will come north on Sunday and present a formidable challenge. 

Meanwhile, the county’s senior hurlers are on the crest of a wave at the minute after their 3-15 to 0-13 mauling of Armagh in Ballycran on Sunday catapulted them into pole position at the top of Division 2B.

Marty Mallon’s side now head for Donegal on Sunday looking to cement their place at the top of the table.