Resilience and experience got Down over the line

Down boss Conor Laverty hailed his team's resilience as they fought back from three points down late on in the Allianz Football League Division 3 final against Wexford before going on to claim victory in extra-time.

Trailing 0-14 to 0-17 with eight minutes to play, the Ulster side, heavy favourites coming into the tie, hit the next seven points as they outscored Wexford by four points to one in the additional period.

"That will really stand to the lads, it was a good test of character," Laverty told RTÉ Sport after the 0-21 to 0-18 victory at Croke Park.

"We knew coming here wasn't going to be easy so we're just delighted to come out with a win.

"Just a range of mixed emotions from start to finish. We were in control in the first half, had the penalty opportunity [that was missed].

"Then in the middle of the second half, Wexford were very, very dominant and were on top of us.

"I just felt it was good character to be able to come back there with six or seven minutes to go whenever you're three points down.

"I think they showed good resilience and maybe a bit of experience.

"Over the past number of years, we've been in a lot of difficult spots, so I think that's shone through then coming down the home straight."

The title and promotion means Sam Maguire football for the Down side, the "main goal" of the season, added Laverty, who now turns his attention to the opening round of the Ulster SFC where they face Donegal in Letterkenny on 26 April.

He said: "The lads have been on the road now a lot of weeks in succession so they'll probably get a week off now and then get back to their clubs for a couple of nights and then we'll get back at it."

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