Down manager Paddy Tally has cited next Saturday week’s meeting with Longford as “an absolutely vital game” for his side.

Longford currently sit in second place in Division 2, leading the Mourne men by two points three rounds in and a point behind leaders Cork.

Down have a win, a draw and a loss thus far and, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph this week, Tally sees the showdown with the Midlanders in Newry as very much being a four-pointer in the race for promotion.

“I think results to date have shown that teams are on a par with each other to some extent and, while Cork are at the top of the table having won their three games to date, there are other sides in there, including Longford and ourselves, who are very keen to overhaul them," he stated.

"This is an absolutely vital game against Longford."

He added: “We showed against Derry in particular that there is a great spirit in the side and a better strength in depth. We need to make the most of our possession and keep mistakes to a minimum."

The Allianz Hurling League returns this weekend, make sure you join the hoganstand.com match tracker for live scores from the third round of games.

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