Down end wait for minor final place
Down 1-10 Donegal 1-08
Down qualified for their first ESB Ulster Minor Football Championship final since 2005 following a two-point win over Donegal at St. Tiernach's Park, Clones this evening.
Despite amassing 13 wides, the Mourne County battled back from an early 1-03 to 0-04 deficit, with Dermot Molloy bagging Donegal's goal.
Down were strongest before the interval slotting over three unanswered points, including a Ross McGarry equaliser, as they broke 0-07 to 1-03 in front at the interval.
The red and black-clad side continued to dominate on the restart with McGarry firing home Down's other goal and a Mark Haughey point ensuring a five-point lead.
Donegal battled bravely to cut the gap to a brace of scores, with two minutes remaining.
However, Down held out to book their place in the Ulster decider in three weeks' time. Monaghan or Armagh will be their opponents.
