JOHN Clarke has backed Down to get even better this season as they chase down a league title.
Down have the third best scoring return in the country, and are unbeaten during this season’s National League campaign in Division Three.
But the former county forward says that Down’s attack can get even better if their scores continue to be shared among their attack.
“Ceilum Doherty has had a really good league [campaign].
“He seems to be getting on the scoreboard.
“If they can get maybe the likes of Liam Kerr chipping in there, that will take the pressure off them other men in the scoring stakes.”
The other men he is talking about are Pat Havern, Odhran Murdock and Daniel Guinness.
“There is probably an over reliance on those men to score.
“Down will not deny that,” Clarke said.
“Teams do match up on Down and they know if they can curb the threat of those three men, then they have a good chance of winning.
“So it is vital that other lads do chip in and add scores.”
Down have the third highest scoring return in the league, across four divisions.
Derry are top scorers with 123 points in five games in Division Two.
Mayo have 121 in Division One.
Down have the best record in Division Three with 117 in five matches.
Clare are second best on 112 points.
But the big stat is that Down have a perfect record in the league.
They are the only team to do so across four leagues.
“At the start of the league they wanted promotion and they didn’t hide away from that fact.
“After five wins from five, you can’t ask for much more.
“Some of the games have been tighter than you would have wished for.
“They have showed good character to grind out the wins, and it is never easy when you are down in Division Three to get out of it.
“But I think that the lads have coped well with it and obviously the talent has been strengthened in recent weeks with boys coming back in.”
The squad has grown in depth this season.
That’s makes John feel confident about the county’s potential.
“I think Shane Annett has added a lot this year.
“He has come back in and has had a good campaign.
“Pearse McPolin from Drumgath is another boy who has played well.
“I liked what I saw from him when he was playing for Drumgath.
“He has stepped up to intercounty level and has been a good find.
“You have Liam Kerr back in there, Micheal Rooney is to come back in, Caolan Mooney is back on board.
“The squad seems to be getting stronger.
“Last year they maybe didn’t have that depth.”
Down’s form has included wins over Clare by five, Limerick by a point, Westmeath by a goal, Wexford by ten, and Fermanagh by three points.
The win over Westmeath felt like a statement result, as the Lake county have had many close battles with Down in recent years.
“I think Westmeath are a good team and they have been in around Sam Maguire for the past two or three years as well.
“They are the best team in that league outside of Down.
“They could meet them in the final, though Westmeath have work to do.
“But I would say that that win was a good boost.
“Home form has been crucial.
“They have only lost one game at home in three years under Conor (Laverty) so it has been really good.
“Hopefully they can keep that going into the summer.”
In general, the message from this year’s league run, according to John, is that Down deserve to be playing at a higher level.
“I think that Down have the squad and the players to be competing in Division Two.
“They were unlucky to get relegated last year.
“They would like to be playing at a higher level, but they have done what has been asked of them so far in the league.
“There are lots of positives but they have a lot to work on for the last two games.
“Then they are heading towards the Donegal championship game, which will be a real test.
“In a way the pressure will be off if they can get out of Division Three and cement that place in the Sam Maguire for the summer.”
But first they have the challenge of reaching a league final, which is what John says they will be focused on.
“I think Down will want to win it.
“They lost a final two or three years ago to Westmeath so they will be going all out to win it – they will be looking for revenge.
“They will want to win a trophy in Croke Park and that will be another big confidence boost heading into the championship.”
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