Rostrevor drew 3-13 to 2-16 with Longstone in Division Two of the All-County Football League on Friday night, a result that leaves them further behind promotion rivals An Ríocht and Bryansford.

Manager Tom Franklin said his team had 30 scoring attempts but converted only a third of them. He described the conversion rate as having deteriorated in recent weeks, despite creating many chances.

Longstone have won only one of eight league matches and sit second from bottom. Franklin said he knew they would not be an easy opponent under manager Miceal Magill, pointing out that Longstone treat every game like a championship fixture given their low win count.

The home side were without Conor Poland, Michael Ireland and county player Finn McElroy. Franklin noted that Longstone’s smaller pitch suited their game, allowing distance shooters like Matthew Cunningham to capitalise on two-point efforts.

“I said to Miceal afterwards that they should have probably won it,” Franklin added.

Rostrevor have introduced several new players this season. Midfielder James Rice has returned from a year out through injury, Eoin Murdock is back at centre back following cruciate surgery, Callum Lagan transferred from Loup and has moved to the area, and Finn Morgan-Longfield has stepped up from the minor grade.

Rostrevor remain in the chase for a top-two finish but will need greater consistency to close the gap.