Down earned a 3-14 to 3-06 Allianz NFL Division 1B win over an out-of-sorts Wexford at Newcastle.
The Mourne men cantered home to a 3-14 to 3-06 victory with goals from Damien Rafferty, Mickey Walsh and Ronan Murtagh proving decisive. Wexford, who hit 11 wides in the first half, improved in the second with substitute PJ Banville (2) and Kieran Kennedy scoring late goals, but the home side's lead was never in any real trouble.
As snow fell at the throw-in, Down got off to the ideal start when wing back Rafferty goaled from a fifth-minute penalty. The hosts led 1-01 to 0-02 after 10 minutes - John Clarke hit the Down point, while Wexford ace Mattie Forde kicked two frees.
The usually reliable Forde was guilty of missing three placed balls early on that could have inspired the Model men to a better performance. Indeed, Forde proved to be Wexford's only scorer in the first half - he added another free as they trailed by 0-03 to 1-04 at half time.
Wexford would have been closer had Down defender Martin Cole not blocked down a goal effort from John Hegarty with goalkeeper Michael McVeigh out of position.
Down powered clear by scoring 2-06 during the first 14 minutes of the second half. They got their second goal on 42 minutes when centre forward Walsh fisted in from the rebound of a Hughes shot, which had come back off a post.
Wing forward Ronan Sexton evaded two would-be tacklers before setting up Murtagh for Down's third goal.
Down, who managed well without captain Benny Coulter (hamstring), then took their foot off the gas at 3-13 to 0-04 in front and a quarter of an hour remaining.
Wexford, who entertain Meath in a must-win home fixture next Sunday, plundered their three goals to put a gloss on the score line. Down are joint-top with Derry in the Division 1B table.
