Down 2-11 Antrim 1-9:DOWN PRODUCED some good football in Newry last night and, after a slow start, were always in control. However they had to play the final quarter without star midfielder Conor Gough who was sent off on a second yellow card.

Antrim dominated the opening quarter and were rewarded with a goal from Hugh McNulty midway through the half. Down then took control with Gough and Niall McParland dominating in the middle. Three points from Donal O’Hare and one from Mattie Bagnall gave them the lead. Five minutes from the break Ross McGarry raced in for a Down goal to give them a 1-7 to 1-3 lead at half-time.

An early second-half goal by O’Hare, who added three points, gave them the required cushion.

DOWN: S Harrison; M Clarke, S McNamee, D McEntee; K McClorey (0-1), G McGovern, D McKibben; N McParland (0-1), S Gough; D OHanlon, C Clarke, M Bagnall (0-1); D Savage (0-1), R McGarry (1-2), D O’Hare (1-4). Subs: R O’Hare (0-1) for D Savage; K. Quinn for D. McKibben.

ANTRIM : K Allsopp; C McElvenny, R Johnston, M Hynes; S Tierney, M Johnston (0-1), P McBride (0-1); J Carron, E Gallagher (0-1); J Laverty, S Tully, D Lynch (0-3); R Murray (0-1), H McNulty (1-1), C Duffin. Subs: C Sheerin (0-1) for Duffin; D Stranney for Tierney.

Referee: C O’Hagan (Tyrone).

Next Up . . .

The semi-finals are fixed for the evening of Wednesday, April 4th (venues to be announced). Down will meet Tyrone, while Cavan play Derry.