Late goals fire Clonduff into Down SFC final

Clonduff's Tom Close is challenged by Aaron Morgan of Kilcoo ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Two late goals sent Clonduff into their first Down senior football championship final since 2016 after a dramatic comeback saw them defeat Carryduff by 2-14 to 1-13 in Newry last night.

Carryduff led by four points with less than 10 minutes remaining, but Clonduff refused to give up.

Eamon Brown’s mis-hit effort dropped under the crossbar to level the game before Dan Rafferty edged Clonduff in front in stoppage-time.

Carryduff had a chance to respond but were penalised for charging, and Clonduff broke quickly at the other end.

Rafferty capped a remarkable finish by firing past Ronan Laverty to seal a seven-point victory and book Clonduff’s place in the county final.

Carryduff had led at half-time (1-8 to 0-10) after Owen McHugh teed up Daniel Guinness for the game’s opening goal, but Clonduff’s late surge proved decisive as they now await the winners of tomorrow's other semi-final between holders Kilcoo and Burren (5.30pm).