Down seconds produced a dogged performance to overcome a well organised Lisnagarvey side at Malone Park last weekend to complete a Junior 3 double over their opponents.

The Hillsborough side have led the league at various times this season and Down knew they were in for a tough afternoon. The locals fought back from going behind within a minute of the second half getting underway and thoroughly deserved their win in the end.

Willie Price was a colossus at the back for the home side and an inspiration to those around him. He never missed a tackle all afternoon and nullified the threat of 'Garvey dangerman, Rupert Pinon.

With home goalkeeper Robert Hagan out with a broken toe, Paul Tate took over in goal and did well, with one diving save in the second half worthy of particular mention.

James Erskine was also outstanding for Down while Mark Graham and Philip Brown toiled away up front, looking to feed off passes from James Cunningham, Chris Lennon and Richard Tarbotton.

Tate produced his first save in the 32nd minute when he got down to his right to clear a reverse stick shot which looked as though it was heading for the back of the net. And with just seconds to go at the other end, Lennon's short corner strike was saved.

Pinon fired the visitors ahead in the 37th minute but Down were back on level terms within 60 seconds when Philip Brown scored following a short corner. Tate then produced that diving save to deny Pinion before David Ferris played a key part in Down's second goal of the afternoon.

His probing run picked out Shaw McVeigh and following a goalmouth scramble, Brown got the final touch to deflect the ball into the net in the 47th minute.

Price and Erskine were working overtime at this stage to keep the 'Garvey forwards at bay and Lennon produced a brilliant interception following a short corner to the visitors to deny Andy Nye a goalscoring opportunity.

Brown was then denied with 10 minutes to go and Tate kept his side in the hunt for maximum points at the other end when he denied Pinion.

With five minutes to go, Down made it 3-1 following a penetrating run by Gavin Ringland. He picked out Graham and the young striker drove it into the middle of the goal.