season as Cavan manager.

His side had to survive a furious late Down rally at Casement Park, Belfast before squeezing through to the second round of the Ulster Football Championship.

Jason Reilly's first half goal was to prove vital for a Cavan outfit which wasted a succession of second half chances, and almost paid the price.

Down's lively forwards started off at a frantic pace, but lacked finishing power, allowing Cavan to ease in front from limited possession through Paul Galligan, Dermot McCabe and Finbar O'Reilly.

But the youthful Mourne side was growing in conviction.

Liam Doyle, Shane Ward and Michael Walsh all hit points, and when Walsh drove home a 19th minute goal after goalkeeper Aaron Donohue had fumbled, they led by 1-3 to 0-5.

Cavan responded with scores from Peter Reilly and defender Edward Jackson,

before Shane Ward levelled the scores for the fifth time.

But Cavan broke through for a 31st minute goal, Dermot McCabe supplying the

long pass which was expertly finished by full forward Jason Reilly.

And Mickey Graham angled over a late point to give the Breffni men a 1-8 to

1-4 interval lead.

Down introduced Mickey Linden at half-time and he immediatelly repaid Pete

McGrath's confidence with an eighth minute goal from a probing Liam Doyle

pass.

A minute later Cavan were awarded a peanalty for a foul on outstanding

midfielder Dermot McCabe, but Peter Reilly's kick was deflected over the bar

by Michael McVeigh.

McVeigh pulled off another splendid save from Paul Galligan, and as Down

lived dangously at the back there was a further let-off when Larry Reilly

sent a screamer crashing against a post.

And when Reilly eased his side into a four points lead with seven minutes to

play, Cavan appeared to have safely booked their passage.

But Down threw everything into a late revival, Shane Mulholland hitting a

point, and Michael Walsh converting two frees, but Cavan held on for a narrow

one point win.