Down 3-7
Derry 0-9

Second half goals from Paul Braniff and substitute Michael Turley laid the foundations for Down's seven point win over Derry in the Christy Ring Cup at Newry.

The sides were level on five points apiece following a closely fought opening 35 minutes but the early second half goals helped the hosts seize the initiative and they pushed on to claim the win.

Johnny McCusker added gloss to the victory with a third goal in injury-time.

"We still have areas to work on but it is encouraging to be progressing in the Christy Ring Cup," Down manager Gerard Monan said afterwards.

Down - S Keith; M Conlan, P Flynn, P Hughes; C Coulter, B Toner, D Hughes; M Ennis, C Woods; S Nicholson (0-1), P Braniff (1-3), K McGarry; D Toner (0-1), G Johnston (0-1), J Coyle. Subs: C Flynn for Coulter, M Turley (1-1) for McGarry, F Conway for Nicholson, E Clarke for Toner, J McCusker (1-0) for Coyle.

Derry - D McDermott; M Warnock, R McCloskey, J McCloskey; P Kelly, L Hinphey, C McSorley; M O'Hagan, O McCloskey (0-1); A Grant, A Kelly (0-1), K Hinphey (0-1); P Henry (0-4), B Rodgers (0-1), S Farren. Subs: B Quigley for Farren, T McCloskey (0-1) for O'Hagan, P Cleary for Henry, C Convery for Grant.

Referee - D Hughes. Tweet

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