Monaghan are through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals for the first time since 2015, after defeating Ulster rivals Down in Croke Park.
Despite the eight-point win, the 1-24 to 1-16 scoreline does not tell the full story of what was a testing game for Malachy O'Rourke's side.
Level at the break, Monaghan trailed for the majority of the first-half, but a strong bench and greater experience in Croke Park saw the Farney men pull away in the second-half.
After the two-point loss to Down in the Ulster semi-finals, Monaghan were able to gain revenge at the first available opportunity, and show the loss in Armagh last month was nothing more than a minor hiccup.
Despite the ease of victory on the scoreboard, Monaghan's fans are expecting more from their strong forward-line in next Sunday's quarter-final in Croke Park against either Dublin or Tyrone.
Conor McManus. What a footballer. Monaghan tempo much better in this second half. Down's missed goal chances in first half look pivotal #GAA
— Hawkeye Sidekick (@hawkeyesidekick) July 29, 2017
HT subs made by Monaghan were perfectly judged. Taken complete control of game since start of second half. Down need to do something
— TacheyDelBosque (@TacheyDelBosque) July 29, 2017
Monaghan are beginning to turn the screw here & get some daylight between them & Down. #MonaghanVDown #GAA
— Patrick Quaile (@PatrickQuaile) July 29, 2017
Karl O'Connell. Kieran Hughes and Conor McManus immense. Excellent second half for Monaghan. Down lost this game in the first half. #GAA
— Hawkeye Sidekick (@hawkeyesidekick) July 29, 2017
@ConorMcManus_15 is some man.
— Darragh Gill (@dargill12) July 29, 2017
Still plenty of improvement to be made by Monaghan for next week but great impact by the subs, especially Conor McCarthy once again.
— Colm Shalvey (@ColmShalvey) July 29, 2017
Monaghan did up their performance in 2nd half but Down were brutal after break. Missed a couple of sitters that would've made it tighter.
— Cormac MacRuairí (@CMacruairi) July 29, 2017
