Down seconds suffered their heaviest defeat of the season against a very strong Parkview second string last weekend.

The locals fielded all their young players who will certainly benefit from the experience against a side that should be pushing for promotion.

Parkview raced into a 3-0 lead as the visitors struggled to find their rhythm early on but Gavin Ringland scored with a brilliant short corner strike to make it 3-1 with 10 minutes to go before the interval.

Mark Graham, sporting a bright new blonde hairdo, then found himself unmarked in the middle of the penalty area to drill the past the ‘keeper to leave the side just one goal from parity.

The interval gave the visitors time to refocus, but Parkview stepped things up a few notches in the second period, scoring another five goals without reply.

Down handed debuts last weekend to Andy Teggart while Stephen Cullum also returned for the locals. At the back, James Ferguson impressed alongside Ringland, Erskine and Ryan Swail.

Down fully intend to play all their young players this season and while they may not win everything, they will grow and develop together which augurs well for the future.

This weekend the locals face Instonians fifths at Malone Park and will be keen to make the most of home advantage on the shale which the visitors won’t fancy one little bit.