Down made it two wins from two in the group stage of the All-Ireland series as they survived a late Louth fightback to win 0-25 to 0-24 at Pairc Esler.
After a delayed start to the game in Newry, Odhran Murdock kicked a fine two pointer a minute into the game to set Conor Laverty’s men on their way.
They added two more points before a free from Sam Mulroy got Louth on the board after eight minutes.
Two two-pointers from Danny Magill and Murdock further stretched Down’s lead and they eventually moved nine clear before Niall McDonnell was thwarted by Ryan McEvoy in front of goal.
Louth rattled off four points in a row to cut the gap, but a late scoring blitz helped Down to lead 0-16 to 0-7 at half-time.
Two two-pointer and another effort from Mulroy helped the Leinster champions to chip away at Down’s lead, reducing it to six points, but three in a row from the hosts helped them to re-establish their advantage.
Donal McKenny hit the post for Louth with Mulroy, Craig Lennon and Tommy Durnin scoring three straight two-pointers for the visitors as they moved to within three points of the Mournemen.
Louth had the momentum and got back to within one, before Mulroy’s attempt after the hooter was blocked as Down held on for a narrow win.
Having comfortably dispatched Clare in their first game, the Mournemen are in a commanding position ahead of facing Monaghan at a neutral venue in the final round of group games in a fortnight.
