Down advanced to the semi-finals of the Tailteann Cup with five points to spare over last year’s beaten finalists Cavan at Kingspan Breffni.

There was just one point between the sides in the 68th minute when substitute Shealan Johnston played a lovely ball to Danny McGill and he found the back of the net. Cavan just couldn’t find a way back.

Oisin Brady kicked over a free for Cavan but Down finished the game with points from Rory Mason and substitute Shane Annett. 

Down were the better side in the first half and created a number of goal chances but blasted the ball over the bar for points. Their defence conceded a number of frees which Oisin Brady duly pointed over. 

After a tight opening 10 minutes Down opened up a two point lead in the 14th minute with a fine score from Mason and a point from Liam Kerr, that could’ve easily have been a goal. 

In the 16th minute Cavan gave away possession and Down broke with Ceilum Doherty playing the ball into Pat Havern and he pointed over to put three between the sides.

Twice Cavan closed the gap to one point with Brady scoring two frees and a mark. Raymond Galligan had a chance to level in the 28th minute but he hit his free wide.

Kerr had a goal chance one minute later but blasted the ball over the bar. A well struck free from Mason put three between the sides again in the 32nd minute.

Down keeper Niall Kane pulled off a fantastic save to deny Brady and in stoppage time a fine point from Oisin Kiernan saw Cavan trail by two at the break - 0-7 to 0-9.

Cavan started the second half well and points from Padraig Faulkner and Brandon Boylan drew them level in the 42nd minute. Down replied through McGill but Brady was once again accurate from the deadball. 

There was just one point between the sides twice inside the final 10 minutes but Cavan were unable to get an equalising point. They were dealt a blow in the 68th minute when Down grabbed a goal and were able to see the game out.