Down's hopes of figuring in the knock-out stages of this season's Dr. McKenna Cup ended at the Burren venue on Sunday, 14th of January when they were outplayed in the second-half by a rampant UUJ side who went on to win the game on a scoreline of 1-19 to 1-6. The home side started the game impressively enough and after six minutes play they led by 0-3 to 0-1. Slowly by surely the UUJ side worked themselves into the game and playing some excellent football they were good value for their 0-7 to 0-5 lead at the break. The students continued to force the pace in the third quarter of the game, and by the 42nd minute they were seven points in front and clearly in command. Despite the best efforts of an inexperienced home side they just couldn't get back into contention, and they scored six further points from the 56th minute for a facile victory in the end. It was the first time Jordanstown were drawn to play a Down side in the Dr. McKenna Cup. This win gave them a timely boost ahead of the Sigerson Cup finals which will be held in Belfast this coming March. Their coach, and former Derry star, Adrian McGuckian was delighted with the win and the attitude of his charges in this game. "We played some very exciting football, and it was a great team performance. The players are starting to believe in themselves, and a win like this will do wonders for confidence as their preparations for the Sigersons Cup continues apace.However, he also added that they were up against a weakened Down side on this occasion, and can expect much tougher games in the weeks ahead in Sigerson Cup fare.'' As for Ross Carr and his Down management it was not all gloom and doom. Six players from Down started for UUJ and there was a broad canvas of prospects for Ross Carr to look at. While on this occasion he was concentrating on those wearing the 'red and black', the players who made good impressions yesterday were all wearing the Jordanstown blue, including 'man of the match' John Boyle, who captained the winning side and scored three points into the bargain. Down - Mickey McVeigh; D. Rooney, S. Toner, P. Matthews; C. McCrickard, J. Doran, C. Murtagh 0-1; A. Carville 0-2, Gareth Johnston; K. Gracey, N. Sweeney, B. Doran; C. Gribben 1-2, B. Sweeney, Daniel Hughes 0-1. Subs - E. Henry for J. Doran; K. McGuigan for McCrickard; P. Telford for Carville; J. Lynch for Johnson; A. Burns for Sweeney. UUJ - M. McAllister; P. Mooney, J. Conlon, S. O'Hagan; R. Murray 0-1, E. McConville, S. McAleer; John Colgan 0-1, J. Bradley; Martin Lynch 1-5, three frees and one '45', John Boyle capt. 0-3, R. Mulgrew 0-1; M. Herron, P. Downey 0-3, B. O'Brien 0-2, one free. Subs - D. McCaul 0-1 for O'Brien; K. Dyas 0-2 for O'Hagan; B. Boggs for McAleer. Referee - Gregory Walsh from Antrim. Tweet

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