Paul McComiskey was on the scoresheet for Down

The Mourne men dominated the first half and excellent points from Daniel Hughes and Ronan Murtagh helped them to a 0-10 to 0-6 lead at the break.

However, Longford were level just three minutes into the second half and it was all-square with seven minutes left.

But late points from Paul McComiskey, John Clarke and the returning Benny Coulter sealed the win for Down.

Down are now level on points with leaders Wexford but have an inferior scoring average.