Down's preparations for their opening Ulster U21FC defence against Cavan on March 24 suffered a setback last Sunday when they were well beaten by Monaghan in the Shamrock Cup final at Cremartin.

The home side were full value for their 2-13 to 0-9 victory which leaves Down with a lot of work to do over the next few weeks if they are to avoid an early championship exit. Last year's beaten All-Ireland finalists were poor to say the least with substitute Connaire Harrison the only play in red and black who looked up to the task.

Down played second fiddle throughout and were a beaten side when Brian McArdle scored Monaghan's first goal in the 40th minute. The visitors replied with points from Conor Poland and Eamon Toner, but Monaghan remained in the driving seat and sealed a comfortable win courtesy of Chris McGuinness' late goal.

Down lined out as follows: Sean Armstrong; Mal Magee, Niall Higgins, Conor Doyle; Darren O'Hagan, Michael Higgins, Paul McPolin; Anton McArdle, Ruairi Digney; Eamon Toner, Cian Slevin, Conor Poland; Ben O'Reilly, John Connolly, Chris Killen. Subs used: Padraig Poland, Connaire Harrison, Ryan McGovern and Chris Duggan. Tweet

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