Down 1-16 1-7 London

Down's Conor Maginn surges through the London defence at Newry

Down cruised into the All-Ireland SFC qualifers second round after this victory at Newry on Saturday night.

The Exiles scored the first point but Down were soon in control and John Boyle hit four points late in the half to leave it 0-12 to 0-3 at the break.

London fought back early in the second half and Chris Donnellan's goal reduced the gap to three points.

Down responded and Benny Coulter finished a fine move with a palmed goal as the Mourne team pulled clear.

London goalkeeper Brian McBrearty frustrated the Down forwards in the first half with four superb point-blank saves.

Dan Gordon, Conor Garvey and Daniel Hughes each chipped in with two points in the opening 35 minutes.

The Exiles threatened a comeback after Donnellan's goal on 52 minutes but Down regained their grip of the game and Coulter's goal helped them ease through to the next round.

Down: B McVeigh; C McGovern, K McKernan, D Rafferty; T Hanna, P Murphy, C Garvey; D Gordon, S Kearney; D Hughes, C Maginn; B McArdle, B Coulter, P McComiskey, J Boyle.

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