Clifford Lennon bagged a brace as Down seconds romped home to a comfortable win over Instonians fourths at Malone Park.

The Junior 4 league clash marked the return to action of Trevor McClurg and he was outstanding at the heart of the defence alongside Robert Carberry.

Aaron Ferris was also handed his first start of the season and his electrifying pace caused problems all afternoon. Time and again he skinned his marker and whipped over dangerous crosses into the penalty area.

Goalkeeper, Johnny Briggs, was also outstanding on the day and pulled off a string of top drawer saves, including one blinder at the end of the first half.

In the middle of the park, skipper, Johnny Lennon and Colin Gibson played superbly, breaking up Instonians attacks and driving forward into the opposition's half whenever the opportunity arose.

John Hewitt was the architect of Down's opening goal in the 45th minute. His free hit was drilled into the circle where Lennon kept his nerve to deflect the ball past the 'keeper for a well-deserved opener

Instonians tried to fight their way back into the game, but were frustrated by Down's skipper, Gibson, Carberry and Briggs, who was determined not to be beaten on the day.

Down made sure of the win 10 minutes from the end when the mercurial Lennon scored his second of the game.

Having already made his mark for the senior side against Parkview, the youngest member of the Lennon clan is proving a real handful this season and looks certain to bag a lot more goals.

His second of the afternoon came after brother Johnny twice tested the 'keeper with rasping efforts from a penalty corner. Johnny's second shot looked to be heading for the back of the net, but Cliff nipped in just to make sure and of course claim the glory for the goal.

While the Belfast side upped the tempo after the break, Down were more than a match for them and Lennon's men are looking forward this Saturdays game against Parkview seconds.

The locals are ideally placed in the top six and a few more wins will put them in a strong position to grab two of the promotion places up for grabs.