Down seconds failed to make the most of home advantage last weekend, losing 2-0 at home to South Antrim fifths who defeated them the previous weekend.

The locals once again included a host of young players in their line-up and let no one down during the 70 minutes.

South Antrim scored twice but were denied a glut of goals by Down ‘keeper David Moreland who pulled off a string of saves during the game to keep his side in with a shout when the home team could easily have been well behind.

While the visitors were experienced and had no fear of the shale surface, Down's players played out of their skin and deserved more from the game. With Mark Graham on duty with the senior side, Gary Brown skippered the seconds and should have capped a fine performance with a goal from a short corner, but the chance went begging. The experienced Trevor Lennon also went close on several occasions.

Down's young guns did what they could and never shirked a challenge. Indeed their commitment was such that Richard Wade and Lewis McIntosh both sustained injuries, while Cheevers also picked up a knock for his superb efforts at the heart of the home defence.

Andy Teggart put himself about but had a little trouble staying on his feet, while the rest of the players put their hands up to be counted.

South Antrim proved too good in the end, but if the locals had managed to convert some of the chances they created they could probably have forced a draw. In the end, their finishing let them down when it mattered most.

This weekend the locals travel to Stormont to face a strong Civil Service side but if the players continue to show the same level of passion and commitment which has been so evident from the start of the season, they could take something from the game.