A masterclass in finishing and a brilliant goalkeeping performance ensured Down seconds picked up yet another win last weekend.

Lewis McIntosh, who just can’t stop scoring at the moment, blasted his second hat-trick in three weeks.

Instonians fifths felt the wrath of the young striker's lethal shooting power at the end of October and it was a beleaguered South Antrim side which felt his full force last Saturday.

Home skipper Mark Graham again led by example and he is delighted that his young players continue to produce excellent performances, especially at home.

McIntosh fired Down ahead in the fifth minute with a goal from play after an excellent build-up involving his skipper and the impressive Liam Kearney.

McIntosh put his side 2-0 ahead in the 12th minute when he latched on to a perfect cross from Jordan Wade to drill the ball past the Ôkeeper. To their credit, South Antrim pulled a goal back after Down gave away possession at the other end when they made a mess of a short corner.

Graham almost put Down 3-1 ahead before Moreland pulled off a string of excellent saves to preserve his side's slender one goal advantage.

Down raced into a 3-1 lead shortly after the restart when Andy Teggart was rewarded for his work leading the line alongside McIntosh. Kearney was again involved in the build-up and when the ball found its way to Teggart the striker produced a neat finish.

McIntosh was a constant thorn in the side of the visiting defenders and it was no surprise that he completed his hat-trick from a long corner. When the ball was drilled into a crowded penalty area, the young striker reacted quickest to force the ball over the line.

With Down's senior side due to face Portush in this Sunday's Sussex Cup semi-final, the young striker must surely have forced his way into the panel for the game. While a look at the current Senior Two table suggests an easy win for Portrush, Down will be out to prove a point.

And in a game where the locals have nothing to lose, but everything to gain, McIntosh could be really useful to have on the sidelines to come on and give the Portrush defence something different to think about it.