ULSTER UNDER-21 FC/Down 1-17 Antrim 0-8: DESPITE A slow start, Down eventually took full control of this under 21 clash at Páirc Esler in Newry last night.

It was only when James Colgan and Kevin McKerman began to get on top at midfield - together with the impressive half back line of Conor Garvey, Kevin Duffin and Timmy Hannah - that the home side begato pull away.

Thanks to a goal from Ryan Kelly, Down led at half-time, 1-8 to a point, and they never looked like surrendering that lead after the break. Down will meet Tyrone in the Ulster quarter-final next Wednesday night.

DOWN: M McAllister; M Digney, C Murney, H Magee; C Garvey (0-1), K Duffin, T Hannah; J Colgan, K McKerman (0-1); C Maginn, C Magee (0-3), E Doner; C Brannigan (0-2), R Kelly (1-0), P McComiskey (0-9). Subs: J Murphy for Garvey, D Lavery for Brannigan, J Caldwell for McKerman, J O'Reilly for Toner.

ANTRIM: B Marron; D Harbison, L Garland, K O'Boyle; E Gill, J Crozier, G Crossey; S McCloskey, S Burke (0-1); B Hassom (0-5), T McCann, N McKeever; C Murray, CJ McGourty (0-2), G McAleese. Subs: K Marron for McAleese, P Maguire for Gill.

Referee: D McQuillan(Monaghan).