The Mournemen had appeared to be on their way to victory when a Nathan Rogers goal seconds into the second half put them five clear but Fermanagh rallied and Jarlath Flanagan’s fisted goal helped the home side close to within a point.
However, despite late pressure, Fermanagh could not find an equaliser as Down held on for the win.
The opening 20 minutes of the contest was evenly contested with Mattie McDermott, Sean Conlon and Kealan Fitzpatrick on target for Fermanagh while Cian Cunningham, Ryan Quinn and Emmet Rogers registered for Down to leave it 0-3 apiece.
However, Down finished the half the stronger and with Tom McCarroll and Jamie Doran landing scores they went in at the interval with a two point advantage, 0-5 to 0-3.
And the gap was out to five on the resumption as Down raced forward from the throw in and the ball was worked to Rogers who slotted to the net.
Indeed, it required a good save from Erne goalkeeper Shea Mulligan to deny Senan Carr a second Down goal.
Fermanagh though battled back after this and after Fitzpatrick converted a free, Flanagan palmed to the net after good play by substitute Michael Burns to leave one in it, 1-5 to 1-4.
Cormac O’Reilly and Burns then traded points but despite having chances Fermanagh were unable to find the score they needed in the closing moments as Down managed to hang on for the win.
Scorers:
Fermanagh: J Flanagan 1-0, K Fitzpatrick 0-2 (1f), M McDermott 0-1, S Conlon 0-1 (m), M Burns 0-1. Down: N Rogers 1-0, C Cunningham 0-1, T McCarroll 0-1, R Quinn 0-1, J Doran 0-1 (f), E Rogers 0-1 (f), C O’Reilly 0-1
Fermanagh: S Mulligan; C McAnespy, S McCarron, A Callaghan; J McCaffrey, J Flanagan, C Brennan; L Feely, L Donnelly; K Fitzpatrick, C O’Brien, D Owens; M McDermott, S Conlon, J Quinlan. Subs – L McEnri for McAnespy (h/t), M Burns for Feely (35), RJ Duffy for O’Brien (54), S Deazley for McCaffrey (58)
Down: N Rice; M Murray, F Murdock, M McSwiggan; D Rafferty, C Cunningham, D Ruddy; T McCarroll, S Carr; R Quinn, J Doran, N Rogers; D Scullion, E Rogers, D Milligan. Subs – L Quinn for Milligan (35), R Kelly for E Rogers (47), T Gilroy for Quinn (47), C O’Reilly for N Rogers (52), M Murdock for Scullion (53)
Referee: Ryan Walsh (Donegal)
