Ryan Keenan and Ryan McCluskey close in on Down's John Clarke

Down's hopes of getting out of Division Three disappeared as they lost to their already promoted Ulster rivals Fermanagh at Pairc Esler in Newry.

Fermanagh, who will play Wexford in the final, were behind until the 34th minute of the second half when Ryan Keenan scored their goal.

Down had led 10 points to seven early in the second half.

Tom Brewster returned to action as a substitute and scored two points to spark the Fermanagh revival.

The Erne county therefore end the series unbeaten but this was Down's third defeat of the National League campaign.

Even if they had beaten Fermanagh, Ross Carr's Down would not have been promoted as Wexford beat Louth to make sure of their place.

Down raced into a three-point lead with Ambrose Rodgers, Peter Turley and Aidan Carr on target.

Carr landed three more and Benny Coulter scored a free to put Down 0-7 to 0-3 ahead but scores from Ryan Keenan, Eamonn Maguire and Jonathan McGurn cut the deficit to one by the interval.

John Clarke and two points from Raymond Murtagh eased Dowm further ahead but Liam McBarron's point and then Brewster's introduction revived Fermanagh.

Down had goal chances but keeper Ronan Gallagher saved from Dan Gordon and Coulter.