DOWN advanced to the final of the Dr McKenna Cup with a win over Fermanagh at Enniskillen despite having centre half back Barry Breen sent off in the second half.

Due to injuries and suspensions Fermanagh fielded several newcomers among whom Liam McBarron was given the midfield hot seat. Sadly one of their regulars Fergal McCann will not be available for the Ulster Championship, the big full forward being taken off in the early stages with groin trouble.

During a listless first half in which several Down players showed a lack of discipline, Fermanagh benefited from a series of Down wides. At half time the teams were level at 0-5 each with Fermanagh's concluding point from Kieran Gallagher the score of the match.

The game livened up considerably in the second half with the teams matching each other score for score. Then with 11 minutes remaining and with Fermanagh a point in front, Breen his marching orders for a foul on McBarron. On another occasion Fermanagh would have welcomed the situation but they failed to make proper use of the extra man and suddenly Down clicked.

Points from Linden (2) and Carr created daylight between the teams and from that to the finish Fermanagh were struggling.