McKenna Cup: Monaghan 0-11 1-12 Down

Donal O'Hare gave Down the perfect start at Clones

Donal O'Hare's goal after just 20 seconds helped Down to a 1-12 to 0-11 victory over Monaghan in the McKenna Cup Section A game at Clones.

Monaghan hit back after O'Hare early strike and were soon level but Kevin McKernan hit the final point of the half to edge Down 1-5 to 0-7 ahead.

The hosts moved in front on the restart but two late Paul Devlin points secured a first McKenna win for Down.

UUJ beat Cavan 1-8 to 0-10 on Saturday in the other Section A match.

O'Hare slammed the ball into the net after a neat one-two with Cathal Crilly to give the Mourne men the perfect start.

Monaghan made a positive response with Darren Hughes and Daniel McKenna among their scorers.

McKernan and O'Hare were on target before Paddy Kierans slotted over an equaliser for Monaghan.

McKernan's score ensured Down went in ahead at the break but Monaghan made a bright start to the second half with scores coming from Hughes and substitute Paul Finlay.

Down enjoyed a period of dominance which brought points from Conor Garvey and substitute Arthur McConville.

McKernan was stretched off, with his leg in a brace, after a collision with 10 minutes remaining and Down officials reported that the key forward will undergo a scan.

Kevin Anderson, who came on as Kernan's replacement, made an immediate impact with a point before Devlin's late double.

Down may have won but Monaghan keeper Enda Duffy was man of the match after a string of outstanding saves.