Down 0-12 2-13 Wexford

Ambrose Rodgers of Down attempts to get past David Walsh

Down (0-7) 0-12
Points: Carr 6, Rodgers 2, Coulter 2, Rooney, Kearney

Wexford (2-5) 2-13
Goals: Lyng, Banville
Points: Forde 7, Banville, Barry, Lyng, Coffer, Byrne, Stafford

Down missed out on a place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals after a disappointing performance against Wexford at Croke Park on Saturday.

Hesitant Down defending allowed Ciaran Lyng to net a 15th-minute goal from Mattie Forde's knock-down.

The Mourne rearguard was at fault again on 24 minutes when a high Forde ball was not cut out and PJ Banville was allowed to fist in from close-range.

Aidan Carr was Down's top scorer with six scores from frees.

So the end of the road for Ross Carr's side and they are bound to be unhappy about the quality of their display in their first Championship appearance at Headquarters since winning the Sam Maguire in 1994..

Many felt Down would outscore the beaten Leinster finalists but Wexford showed more hunger and were aided by their opponents' slack defending.