Fermanagh 0-6 Down 0-8

Midfielder Gregory McCartan hailed this result at Brewster Park as a crucial win for the Mournemen.

Down are in transition following the end of the Pete McGrath era and new boss Paddy O'Rourke has drafted in a number of young players to the squad.

They got the National League season off to an encouraging start by beating Fermanagh in difficult conditions.

McCartan's partner in the middle, Loughinisland prospect Dan Gordon, scored three of Down's points.

"It was a hard fought battle but it was a crucial victory for us," said McCartan.

"We still have a lot of things to put right - the players let Pete McGrath down.

"This is my last year so I am going to give it a real go."

Fermanagh manager Dominic Corrigan's hopes of getting the Division 1B campaign off to a good start were dashed by Down's determination.

"Our forward play was poor, we created chances but did not take them," said Corrigan.

"We only scored six points and that is never going to win at match.

"We had a number of players unavailable. If we had one of two of them it might have made a difference."

Among those not available were Paul Brewster and Rory Gallagher.

Gallagher has quit the Ernesiders while Brewster was away on business.