Danny Hughes doesn't expect lightning to strike twice when Down take on Monaghan in this evening's Ulster SFC semi-final.

12 months ago Eamonn Burns' side were on the receiving end of a 0-9 to 0-22 drubbing at the hands of the Farney County but former star Hughes is expecting a much closer contest this time around.

He saw plenty of evidence of a more disciplined approach at the back from the Down class of 2017 when they overcame Armagh last time out.

"The first time we've had a championship round in Newry since 1999," he told Newstalk's Off the Ball yesterday.

"Although we have had a couple of replays and stuff in subsequent years but it was a great occasion and first round games are all about winning them.

"First half was exciting, second half was very tentative where both teams were nearly, I suppose, afraid of making too many mistakes and losing the game. And, ultimately, I think Down, being a lot better structured at the back, absorbed a lot of pressure from Armagh and broke really well and got the crucial scores."

On the subject of today's last four clash, he added: "Monaghan, I wouldn't say they are firing on all cylinders but they're winning the matches and that's all they need to do. I couldn't see Down conceding like they did last year and there's definitely a more positive feel about them."

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