Down seconds look on course for promotion to Junior 3.

Last weekend's 2-1 win over Parkview at Malone Park leaves the locals on 25 points with just a few games to play and only a series of disastrous results could cost them one of the two promotion places up for grabs.

This weekend the seconds are due to face Cliftonville seconds at Malone Park, which leaves them to complete their Junior 4 league programme against North Down (A), Armagh (A), Bangor (H) and Cookstown (A).

With a possible 10 points up for grabs, Down will be out to make the most of home advantage against Cliftonville and Bangor, but they face tough games away from home.

Last weekend, Down were worthy winners against a Parkview side they drew 1-1 with in Doagh earlier in the season when the locals were only able to field 10 men.

Stephen Moffatt took over in goal from Down's regular netminder who is out for the rest of the season with a badly torn calf muscle. A number of other regulars were also missing, but the Malone Park outfit raised its game.

Moffatt in particular had a sound game and one brilliant stick save in the second half was nothing short of sensational. A Willie Young shot looked destined for the back of the net, but Moffatt flung himself to his right to deflect it away from goal.

Gary Brown played his first game of the season for the seconds and led the forward line alongside the experienced Trevor Lennon and Richard Tarbotton.

At the back, Willie Price was exceptional at sweeper, while Trevor McClurg leapt a tight rein on Parkview dangerman, Young. In addition, Stephen Fitzsimons, who has been having a superb season, was outstanding at right back, moving forward at every opportunity.

In fact it was that man Fitzsimons who was instrumental in setting up his sideÕs opening goal in the ninth minute. He went racing down the right flank and picked out Lennon with a pinpoint cross. He in turn picked out Cunningham and the Down midfielder did the rest, hammering the ball past the 'keeper.

Down were in the ascendancy at this stage and while Young was posing a threat, he was kept quiet by McClurg and Moffatt who was determined the keep a clean sheet.

Cunningham, who was all over the park with his non-stop running, scored his second of the afternoon to put his side 2-0 ahead before the interval.

Down knew their opponents would come out strongly in the second half and while they knew what to expect, they didn't play as well.

Young made it 2-1 with a typically opportunist strike and just when he thought he had levelled the scores, Moffatt produced that top class save.

Colin Gibson, who last year won the seconds' player of the year award, was again very impressive and his experience was vital in the closing stages as the visitors pushed me forward in a bid to snatch a draw.