Kilcoo began their pursuit of an eight Down SFC title in nine years by defeating old rivals Mayobridge this evening.

Beaten All-Ireland club SFC finalists seven months ago, the Magpies showed their class to overpower the 'Bridge, 1-13 to 0-8, in their championship opener at Pairc Esler.

Managed by former Armagh captain Ciaran McKeever, Mayobridge went toe to toe with the holders for 60 odd minutes. Their cause wasn't helped though by the sending off of substitute Keelan Lynchehaun midway through the second half.

Fans leave the stand at Pairc Esler. ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson.

The sides were deadlocked on 0-5 each when the half time whistle sounded and Kilcoo made use of the extra man afterwards to open up a four point lead heading down the home straight.

In injury time, a Mayobridge goal chance which would have levelled the contest rebounded off the crossbar before Mickey Moran's men reeled off 1-2 to put the seal on the victory.

Goals proved crucial to the outcome of this evening's other first round clash at Castlewellan, Rostrevor 3-11 Downpatrick 0-15.

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