Victory for Down ladies in Newry

ONLY a point separated the sides as Down pipped Roscommon by a point in the opening Division 3A game at Pairc Esler. Roscommon took an early lead with goals from Laura Fleming and Lisa O’Rourke before Down replied with goals from Sarah Dougherty, Orla Swail and a Jess Foy penalty to go seven ahead. Roscommon rallied and by half time Down’s lead had been cut to two, 3-5 to 3-3. Roscommon played their best football of the match early in the second half and gradually worked their way back to level terms and they looked likely winners when a collision between Niamh Shanagher and Down’s Caroline Kennedy led to a free kick for Roscommon and a yellow card for the Down goalkeeper. Fleming popped the free between the posts and a superb strike from Lisa O’Rourke gave them a two-point lead, 3-8 to 3-6. Down were back in front minutes later with Jess Foy grabbing her second and her side’s fourth. Then good points from Viv McCormack and Natasha Ferris pushed Down four points clear. Jenny Higgins got a fourth goal for Roscommon but Down held on for an opening day victory.