Hi °C | Lo °C Down manager Ross Carr has admitted that there is remedial work to be undertaken following his team’s rather surprising setback against Cavan in Division Three of the National Football League at Pairc Esler, Newry.
And he has already targeted specific areas to be addressed before next weekend’s danger-laden contest against Longford.
“We never really looked like winning this game. When we did get a bit of possession, our decision-making tended to be poor and it was the ten-minute spell immediately after half-time that really put the final nail in our coffin,” said a disappointed Carr.
He had watched his side almost match Cavan stride for stride in the first-half during which the visitors benefited considerably from the accuracy of Seanie Johnston (0-4) and Larry Reilly (0-2) as well as taking heart from a spectacular 8th minute save by goalkeeper James Reilly from a Benny McArdle thunderbolt.
Adversity actually proved a precursor to triumph for Cavan. When Eugene Keating was sprung from the bench to replace the injured Michael Lyng in the 30th minute and David Givney took over from the yellow-carded Lorcan Mulvey in midfield four minutes later, the Breffni side suddenly acquired a greater level of cohesion and confidence.
They led by 0-7 to 0-5 at the break, Keating scoring with his first touch with Aidan Carr grabbing three of Down’s scores.
Cian Mackey, Ray Cullivan and the irrepressible Johnston inflicted further torture on the hosts and although Ronan Murtagh and substitute Paul McComiskey each grabbed a brace of Down points.
