Down ... 1-13 Antrim ... 2-14 Ulster champions Antrim shot two late goals to overtake Down in Portaferry and take their first league points. Antrim's success was ultimately down to the outstanding left wing partnership of Liam Watson and Brian McFall, who contributed 1-7 between them.
The first half was an evenly contested affair, but late points from Watson and McFall earned Antrim a 0-10 to 1-4 half-time lead.
Antrim boss Dinny Cahill's master stroke was the introduction of Seán Delargy, who had the ball in the net soon after coming on. McFall added another two minutes into injury time to ensure the points.
ANTRIM: D Quinn; M Kettle, M McCambridge, O Scullion; J Campbell, G Bell, C Herron; K McKeegan (0-2), J Connolly; M Scullion, R McNaughton (0-3), L Watson (0-3); C McCambridge (0-2), A Delargy, B McFall (1-4). Sub: S Delargy (1-0) for M Scullion
DOWN: Graham Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, E Dorrian; Gabriel Clarke, G Savage, S Wilson; B Milligan, G Adair; G Johnston (0-1), P Braniff (0-6), E Trainor; M Coulter (0-5), G McGrattan (0-1), S Clarke (1-0). Subs: P Coulter for E Trainor; T Coulter for G Savage.
Referee: A McSuibhne (Dublin).
