Second-half comeback helps Meath past Down

Down have now lost to Roscommon and Meath this season

Meath made it back-to-back wins in Division Two as they saw off Down 0-24 to 1-18 in an entertaining game at Pairc Esler.

Conor Laverty's side narrowly led 1-09 to 0-10 at half-time after Ryan McEvoy's fine goal.

However, Meath fought back in the second half, landing five successive scores at one stage, including two two-pointers to take the three-point win.

Jordan Morris was key for Meath, scoring 0-7 to help spark the fightback for Robbie Brennan's side.

The two teams came into the game with a win and a loss in their opening two fixtures, and it was a back and forth start in Newry, as both sides traded early points.

The hosts had the first goal chance as Caolan Mooney lined up a shot from a tight angle which was blocked before it could trouble Billy Hogan.

Ronan Jones was then shown a black card for a cynical foul but despite being a man down, Meath battled well and edged back in front once Jones was reintroduced.

Just as they were starting to establish control, the influential Havern nailed a two-pointer for the Mournemen to restore parity.

McEvoy fired Laverty's side ahead just before half-time as he twisted his marker and slammed into the far corner after collecting Shay Millar's fine cross-field pass.

Meath had renewed energy after the break, with their run of five successive points helping to swing momentum in their favour.

They had a goal chance on 48 minutes but Ronan Burns produced a big save to deny Morris a goal.

Down attempted a late charge of their own, reducing the deficit to two points with five minutes remaining, but a late free from Eoghan Frayne sealed the win for Meath, who had Jones sent off.