Tipperary rescued a point from their encounter with Down with the last kick of the game on Saturday evening.

John Evans' men looked doomed to defeat as they trailed their hosts by three points with only five minutes to play.

However a remarkable resurgence in the remaining minutes, and Barry Grogan's ability to kick under pressure, ensured the long trip to Pairc Esler in Newry was worth it.

It was not the first time that Tipp had fought their way back into the game. With 20 minutes played in the first half they trailed Down by 0-7 to 0-2. A strong finish to the first half, however, actually meant that the visitors led their hosts by a point.

Manager John Evans was pleased with his team's persistence. He said, "We're delighted to get a point. We would have been pretty sick not to get something out of the game because we did play well. We battled well. I have to admire our own fellas for coming back into the game time and time again, both in the first half and the second."

Tipperary may have had the final say but they were not quicker out of the traps. John Clarke pointed from Down after only 30 seconds.

Tipp were soon back on level terms. Barry Grogan was fouled by Dan McCartan on the right wing. Despite hugging the sideline Conor Sweeney was impressively able to convert the free. He added another from play on eight minutes after Down had registered a further two points.

The home side took control of the game and scores from Conor Laverty, Paul McComiskey, Martin Clarke and Conor Maginn saw Down race into a commanding five-point lead.

Tipperary stirred back into life around the 20-minute mark. Philip Austin, Barry Grogan and Conor Sweeney were particularly instrumental in putting together scores. Barry Grogan converted a free before Christopher Aylward got forward from right half-back for a fine point.

Austin began to revel in the space he was afforded and his direct running caused problems for the Down defence. He pointed a fine solo effort on 28 minutes. When Conor Sweeney converted a free on the half-hour mark only one point separated the sides.

Down's Laverty widened the gap but there was time for more action before the break.

Barry Grogan floated a free from 50 metres towards the posts but it dropped short. Down's Ambrose Rodgers could only palm the ball down in front of goa,l where a goal-line scramble saw Brian Mulvihill poke the ball goalwards.