Ian Larmour marked his county recall with an eight-point tally to earn Monaghan a win at Scotstown. The sides were level at the break (0-6 each). Thereafter, Monaghan sealed victory with an exhibition of free-taking from Larmour.

Monaghan: J Sullivan; D McArdle, D McDermott, N Morrin; N McGuinness, E Murphy, J Conlon; J Coyle, P McCaul, D Swift; P O'Connor, I Larmour (0-8), S McGinnity (0- 1), P Treanor (0-2), D Smyth (0-3). Subs: P Kelly for N McGuinness (half-time); J Coyle for P McCaul (59 mins).

Down: M McVeigh; D Flynn, B Burns, F Caulfield; P McShane, M Magill, S Poland; G Murdock, G McCartan (0-2), J McCartan (0- 2), S Mulholland (0-2), Greg Deegan, S Ward (0-3), P Higgins, B Loughran (0-2). Subs: Gerard Deegan for Greg Deegan (halftime); S Ward (0-2) for G Murdock (45th min); I Cole for S Poland (52nd min).

Referee: M McGrath (Donegal).