Down seconds grabbed another vital win last weekend to take their points tally to 15 and it's not even Christmas yet.

But the side's inability to convert a number of clear cut chances almost proved costly in a game the locals dominated from start to finish.

Down should have been 4-0 ahead at the break, the fact they weren't was as a result of some poor finishing and an outstanding display by the visitors' 'keeper who was superb all afternoon.

Trevor McClurg had a brilliant game at the heart of the Down defence, while in the middle of the park, Colin Gibson rolled back the years with a virtuoso performance, alongside Raymond McClurg.

The visitors created the first chance of the game in the opening seconds when a free drilled into the area was deflected goalwards, but Down's 'keeper cleared the ball.

Down were out for revenge having lost to their opponents earlier in the season and they created the majority of the openings, but couldn't put the ball in the net.

James Cunningham, who started on the left, was moved back into midfield to provide support to Gibson and Raymond McClurg, with Adam McKee playing further forward. The move provided Down with a better balance and was the platform on which they won the game.

Stephen Fitzsimons kept his nerve during a goal mouth melee to steer the ball past the ,keeper, but rather than press home their advantage, Down failed to capitalise on a host of chances.

Fitzsimons looked as though he had made it 2-0 but his terrific shot struck the inside of the post and rebounded to safety, with the winger left holding his head in his hands.

At the other end, Trevor McClurg, James Erskine, Johnny and Chris Lennon were never in trouble and dealt comfortably with everything thrown at them. Instonians did force a few penalty corners, but never got a shot in on goal.

In the second period, it was all one-way traffic with the Instonians 'keeper pulling off a string of brilliant saves to keep his side in the game. Time and again he blocked goal-bound shots, leaving the home forwards frustrated.

Cunningham went close as did Philip Brown, Fitzsimons and McKee as Down piled on the pressure. It seemed only a matter of time before Down would increase their lead but as the clock ticked towards full-time, they were becoming more and more frustrated.

Their inability to press home their advantage provided a spark for the visitors who looked to hit Down on the break and they had two chances to level the game, but on both occasions, they were denied by Down's 'keeper.

With 15 points in the bag, Down can look forward to the rest of the season. While keen to pick up points away from home, they want to maintain their good form at Malone Park. This Saturday, it's Annadale fifths away and while it will be a tough game, Down will be hoping to take something from the game.