This top against bottom Junior 3 clash was entertaining with the home side producing an inspired performance to collect a much-needed three points.

Down, who were bottom of the table before the start of play, knew they would have their work cut out against the league leaders, but they played well and could have won by a greater margin had it not been for the performance of the visiting 'keeper.

Down have struggled to field teams all season as the Malone Park player crisis bites harder than a January frost and the locals will be hoping they can muster 11 bodies for this Saturday's game at Stormont against Civil Service thirds.

But back to last weekend, Down took the lead in the sixth minute with a sweeping move started by James Erskine. His run and cross picked out Paul Tate who produced the perfect finish.

Two minutes later, Philip Brown picked out Adam McKee whose shot was saved, but he made up for the miss in the 14th minute. Brian Hagan went on a mazy run and when he passed to McKee, the midfielder was unable to get as much purchase on the ball as he would have liked. But he still somehow managed to produce a snooker-like shot was saw the ball curve round the 'keeper into the net.

With 11 minutes until the interval, Lisnagarvey scored the goal-of-the-day when a forward's blockbusting finish gave Robert Hagan no chance. The visitors' tails were up and they pressed for an equaliser before the break.

The visiting umpire played a terrific advantage in the 34th minute and McKee's scintillating 50-yard run found Ringland in space but he somehow managed to blast his shot wide.

William Friar saw a shot saved by the Garvey 'keeper in the 36th minute before the home side made it 3-1 seven minutes later through Brian Hagan following a goalmouth scramble. The ball was pinging about all over the place with Hagan getting the final touch to force it over the line.

Mark Graham was a man inspired for Down throughout the 70 minutes but he didn't score the goal his play deserved. He created chances for Friar, McKee and Tate in the second period but the home players were all denied.

In the 52nd minute, Graham ran virtually the length of the field and when he weaved his way into the penalty area he looked odds on to score, but the 'keeper produced a great save. In the closing minutes, Graham and McKee both went close but the visiting defence held firm.

Attention now switches to this weekend when everyone at the club hopes the seconds will be able to field a team against Civil Service.