The Downs (Westmeath) 2-17 Clonguish (Longford) 1-18

Pre-match favourites, The Downs were pushed all the way by Clonguish in a very entertaining first round clash in the Leinster Senior Club Football Championship in ideal conditions for football in Mullingar.

The underdogs from Longford were by far the better outfit in the early exchanges and a hat-trick of converted frees by Michael Flynn had them ahead by 0-03 to 0-00 with nine minutes on the clock, after The Downs had wasted most of the limited possession which had come their way.

However, the Westmeath champions took over during the remainder of the opening quarter, shooting six unanswered points from play in the process – a two-pointer from Niall Mitchell, singles from Jonathan Lynam and Ian Martin, and a brace from Tom Tuite.

James Hagan and the hitherto-anonymous Luke Loughlin traded points, before the visitors equalised (0-07 apiece) courtesy of a two-point free from Flynn and a one-pointer by Matthew Carey in the 21st minute.

In the 24th minute, Loughlin rounded off a fine move by Dermot Power's charges with a well-taken goal. Clonguish responded with a point apiece from Jamie Dorr (with his fist) and another Flynn free, but when the ball fell kindly for Michael Moloney in the 29th minute, this year’s Hogan Cup winner from Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar blasted the ball to the roof of the net.

A lengthy solo run by Jack Duggan on the half-hour mark was spoiled by a weak finish for a goal, leaving The Downs ahead by 2-07 to 0-09 at the interval.

Martin doubled his tally in the opening minute of the second half, but a neat point from Kevin Baskett and a great two-point free from Flynn kept Dominic Corrigan’s well-supported charges very much in touch.

The respective number 13s, Loughlin and Baskett, exchanged points before Carey left the gap at the bare minimum (2-09 to 0-14) in the 38th minute. A brace of points from the lively Tuite stretched The Downs’ lead.

However, when James Hagan reacted the quickest to find the net in the 44th minute after a slapped effort from Cormac Flynn had come back off the crossbar, the sides were on level terms. Carey soon nudged Clonguish ahead (1-15 to 2-11).

The final quarter was played out in a welter of excitement. Two Moloney points from open play were wiped out by a brace of Flynn frees. Loughlin kicked a sublime two-point free for The Downs to nudge them in front with four minutes of normal time remaining.

Moloney added a one-pointer and Flynn replied by converting yet another free. A minimum of two minutes’ added-time was announced and the home team doubled their lead in the first of these via sub Kevin O’Sullivan, a Westmeath regular this year.

Flynn was then bottled up as he looked set to find the net at the other end and Clonguish were unable to work a goal from the ensuing '45’, with the final whistle blowing seconds later.

The Downs: Trevor Martin; Eanna Burke, Josh Murtagh, Peter Murray; Jonathan Lynam (0-01), Ciaran Nolan, Michael Moloney (1-03); Lorcan Mullen, Charlie Drumm; Oisín Loughlin, Ian Martin (0-02), Billy Moffatt; Luke Loughlin (1-04, 1 2ptf), Niall Mitchell (0-02, 2pt), Tom Tuite (0-04).

Subs: Kevin O’Sullivan (0-01) for O Loughlin (47), Andrew Brennan for Murray (55).

Clonguish: Declan McKenna; Jonathan Burke, Mark Cooney, Christopher Gordon; Jack Duggan, Conor Smith, Andrew Flynn; Peter Hanley, Matthew Carey (0-03); Jamie Dorr (0-01), Michael Flynn (0-10, 2 2ptf, 5f), Ronan Sweeney; Kevin Baskett (0-02), Cormac Flynn (0-01), James Hagan (1-01).

Subs: Ross Shields for Baskett (47), Daniel Carey for Burke (inj., 57).

Referee: Colm McCullough (Louth).