Cavan 0-13
Down 1-9

Conor Madden’s late, late point proved the difference at Kingspan Breffni as Cavan shaded Down in the first round of the Dr McKenna Cup.

The win marks Mickey Graham’s first as Breffni boss, having succeeded Mattie McGleenan in his home county last August before leading Mullinalaghta to a historic Leinster club SFC triumph earlier this month. The Cavan Gaels clubman handed starting debuts to Sean O'Connor (Cootehill), Simon Cadden (Ramor United), Mark Stuart, Pierce Smith and Stephen Smith (all Crosserlough) this afternoon.

The home side had trailed their pre-season opener for large portions of the first period before eventually going in level at the break on 0-6 apiece and then finding another gear after half-time, outscoring their Mourne counterparts by 0-5 to nothing in the first 20 minutes of the restart.

Raymond Galligan (free), Ciaran Brady, Stephen Smith (free), Stephen Murray and Madden made it 0-11 to 0-6 with 50 minutes on the clock when the visitors won a penalty which Pat Havern converted past Galligan to bring his team right back into the frame.

Smith (free) and Ciaran Harney traded scores to leave it a one-point game with five minutes left on the clock and Conor McGrady’s fine point ensured in nervy finish in Cavan town with Paddy Tally’s charges now seemingly carrying the momentum.

Cavan returnee Jack Brady nudged his team back in front soon after coming on to replace fellow clubman Cadden and when McGrady looped over at the other end on 72 minutes it looked like they’d be sharing the points.

The home side fashion one more chance two minutes later though and it was Gowna man Madden – the man who sent them into Division 1 with the winner against Tipperary last spring – that came up trumps again to ensure a winning start to Graham’s reign.

Cavan - R Galligan (0-3, 2f, 1'45); S O’Connor, P Faulkner, C Moynagh; S Murray, C Brady (0-2), M Stuart; M Argue, T Galligan; M Reilly, N Murray (0-1), S Cadden (0-1); P Smith (0-1), S Smith (0-2, 1f), C Madden (0-2). Subs: J Galligan for T Galligan, P Moore for P Smith, C Mackey for M Reilly, J Smith for M Argue, J Brady (0-1) for S Cadden.

Down - R Burns (0-1f); R McAleenan, R Wells, K McClorey; R Johnston, B McArdle, R Brady; D McCarthy, A McClements (0-1); C Francis, C Poland, D McKibbin; R Mason (0-1), P Havern (1-3), J Johnston. Subs: C McGrady (0-2) for D McKibbin, D McClements for A McClements, S Annett for K McClorey, C Quinn for R Johnston, C Harney (0-1) for R Brady.

Referee - M McNally.

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