It’s still early days, but Down's senior side signalled its intentions to its title rivals with this superb 2-0 win over Campbellians.

The newcomers to the league were given a lesson by the Malone Park outfit and while there is a long way to go until the end of the season, the weekend win has provided Down with the perfect springboard to mount another title challenge.

Having lost out in last year's play-off to South Antrim, Jeremy McCready, is in charge of a group of players who are on a mission to seek out and destroy the opposition.

There are those who will argue it's too early to talk about titles, but getting off to a good start is crucial in any league campaign and last weekend's win will make a lot of teams sit up and take notice.

There are those who will argue it's too early to talk about titles, but getting off to a good start is crucial in any league campaign and last weekend's win will make a lot of teams sit up and take notice.What made the win over Campbellians even more remarkable was that it was achieved without the likes of Ashley Gibson and defensive duo, Aaron Minnis and Alasdair Duff.

Down played with five a across the back, a tactic which proved so effective in last year's 6-2 drubbing of South Antrim in the Senior Two Cup. Against Campbellians, the tactic was equally effective, with the home side restricted to just two shots on goal during the entire 70 minutes.

With Paul Neill, Mark Elliott and Johnny Lennon drafted in from the seconds, Down were far from weakened, with the trio all contributing to what was a magnificent team performance.

Down almost scored with their first attack of the game, but the chance went begging. By playing five at the back, the locals were able to hold on to the ball in the middle of the park and they were always in control.

They took the lead in the 25th minute with a wonder goal from Elliott. He collected a pass from Taylor on the left and with some fancy footwork Cristiano Ronaldo would have been proud of, skipped past three defenders into the penalty area before unleashing a terrific shot which gave the 'keeper no chance.

The Campbellians 'keeper also denied Elliott and Taylor as Down went into the break delighted with their performance.

Skipper McCready asked his men to keep it simple in the second period and keep spreading the ball about which they did to great effect.

Paul Tate had another great game, with Johnny Lennon outstanding in his role in the back four. Campbellians had one shot on from a short corner which Mark Johnston dealt with before the visitors made sure of all three points with a goal from Taylor.

A Tate free hit was drilled into the penalty area where predator Taylor was waiting to deflect the ball into the net. Down continued to press for more goals but were denied by the home 'keeper.