Down go up

ANY chance Antrim had of creating an upset at wet and windy Newcastle were banished in the 29th minute when their midfielder Eddie Quinn was dismissed by referee Jim Harlin following a heavy tackle on Down's Aidan Farrell.

Down won promotion to Division Two in this game, but had struggled to build a 0-6 to 0-1 interval lead, relying heavily on the accuracy of free taker Gary Mason to make something of their strong wind advantage. But they made full use of the extra man into the breeze. Within a minute, Kieran McCabe slipped the ball through to score the only goal of the game and by the 36th minute Gregory Deegan and Gary Mason had stretched Down's lead to a comfortable 1-8 to 0-1.

Antrim, by now completely disorganised, managed only three points in the second half, all frees from Paul Derby. Down won at their ease, with Gary Mason and Kieran McCabe rounding off their total.

Meanwhile, 14 man Wexford were relegated when they were pipped by Wicklow 1-6 to 1-5 after a dour struggle at Wexford Park. A well taken goal by John Hegarty helped the home team into a 1-4 to nil lead after 21 minutes, but a minute later Wexford corner back Dessie Stafford was sent off and Wicklow totally dominated the second half. Conan Daye scored their goal in the 48th minute.

Westmeath beat Longford 1-10 to 0-7 at Pearse Park, but only pulled away at the end after Ger Heavin scored their goal.