Down's sterling bid to become a major force in the All-Ireland championship this year was clinically derailed by an efficient Wexford side in a tepid encounter at Croke Park on Saturday.

All the style, artistry and endeavour that had marked Down's progress since the beginning of the year were conspicuous by their absence as they fell victims to Wexford's pace and penetration, particularly in the first half.

Indeed, by half-time both Ciaran Lyng and P J Banville had knocked in goals as Wexford by 2-3 to 0-4, and when Mattie Forde cut loose in the second half, insult was added to injury as Down's morale took a savage pounding.

Aidan Carr proved Down's prime source of scores from frees, but their attack was far too easily shackled by an uncompromising Wexford defence.

Down's misery was compounded when Ambrose Rodgers, a player who has had more than his share of injuries in recent seasons, was admitted to the Beaumont Hospital following the game, where he underwent two operations for a ruptured spleen. Rodgers had been finding his feet again in the Down side, having been out for some time.

Manager Ross Carr, bitterly disappointed at his team's failure to reach the All-Ireland quarter-finals, had no excuses afterwards.

"Very little went right for us, and I suppose we can really have no complaints," said Carr.

WEXFORD: A Masterson; D Walsh, P Wallace, B Malone; A Morrissey, D Murphy, C Morris; P Colfer (0-01), B Doyle; R Barry (0-02), E Bradley, A Flynn; C Lyng (1-01, 1f), PJ Banville (1-1), M Forde (0-07, 5f, 1 45).

Subs: C Deely for Colfer (54); S Roche for Banville (65); R Stafford for Bradley (67); G Murphy for Morrissey (69).

DOWN: B McVeigh; L Howard, P Turley, C Murney; P Murphy, A Carr (0-06, 6f), K McGuigan; D Gordon, A Rodgers (0-02); J Fegan, K McKernan, D Hughes; R Murtagh, J Clarke, B Coulter (0-02).

Subs: R Sexton for Fegan (HT); D Rooney (0-1) for McGuigan (HT), J McAreavey for Murney (HT); J McGovern for Murtagh (56); S Kearney (0-1) for McKernan (65).

Referee: Marty Duffy (Sligo)