David McGivney out as Longford face a very difficult task against Down

The absence of the injured David McGivney (out of action for a few weeks) is a significant setback  in the massive uphill battle to avoid the drop.

The trip to Paric Esler in Newry for the National Football League clash on Saturday evening  (throw-in 7pm) is a step up in class for the midlanders, as was the case in the heavy defeats at home to Westmeath and away to Cavan, and it will be a major surprise if Down fail to collect both vital points. 

While Longford are under severe pressure in the fierce fight to dodge the big blow of relegation in the Division 3 minefield, Down are still in contention for one of the two promotion places despite the defeat against Cavan in the previous round but are depending on results in other games working out in their favour. 

Powered by the introduction of the Kilcoo trio of Ryan and Jerome Johnston and the 2022 AIB Club Player of the Year Eugene Branagan during the course of the second half, Down were just two points behind with 65 minutes gone on the clock at Kingspan Breffni Park 

But two late goals from Cavan’s class act forward Paddy Lynch sealed a rather flattering 2-14 to 1-10 win for Mickey Graham’s unbeaten side. 

Managed by former star and Kilcoo clubman Conor Laverty who featured in the 0-16 to 0-15 defeat against Cork in the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Football Final, the current Down squad are gradually getting back to full strength after a number of Kilcoo players were unavailable in the aftermath of their terrific All-Ireland Club SFC title triumph last year. 

While the surprise setback away to Fermanagh in the current league campaign could cost them a place in Division 2 next season, they showed a lot of character in coming from seven points down to defeat Westmeath 1-10 to 0-11 in the Round 4 fixture in Newry.

With a couple of quality players in the full-forward-line, notably Pat Havern and Andrew Gilmore who have clocked up 1-18 and 1-15 respectively (from frees and play) so far in Division 3, there is obviously plenty of scoring power in the Down attack and the mourne men will be expected to win their remaining games against Longford and Offaly (away). 

Paddy Christie will prepare his squad in the hope of achieving a positive result but should they lose for the fifth time in the league this season, Longford will be depending on Tipperary losing at home to Offaly and it is the same situation when Antrim take on Cavan at Corrigan Park in Belfast.

Defeats for the other strugglers on Saturday will mean that Longford can still survive in Division 3 if they can manage to overcome Antrim in the final round fixture at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday March 26 along with a win for Westmeath at home to Tipperary.

Allianz NFL Division 3 

Round 6 Fixtures

Saturday March 18 

Pairc Esler, Newry: Down v Longford, 7pm

FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles: Tipperary v Offaly, 2pm

 Corrigan Park, Belfast: Antrim v Cavan, 2pm 

St Joseph’s Park, Ederney: Fermanagh v Westmeath, 3pm