Monaghan are straight into the All-Ireland quarter-finals next weekend while Conor Laverty's Down face a home preliminary quarter-final next weekend after a thrilling 1-26 to 2-27 win for the Farney side.
Down were well in the game until the closing stages as Monaghan came on strong following Jack McCarron's controversial second half goal.
The Scotstown man appeared to pick the ball off the ground just seven yards out as he scored on the rebound but it was missed by both umpires nearby, and the referee.
Once again, the two-point frees from Monaghan keeper Rory Beggan were a big factor as well as the impact of their bench from the likes of McCarron.
Key Events
Farewell
That's all from the game at the Athletic Grounds today. All eyes turn now to group one for those 4pm games, the final tables and the draw for the preliminary quarter-finals to come next weekend.
Thanks for joining us
Experts in full agreement with disgruntled Down men
The Sunday Game crew have their say and there looks to be no argument here - this was a mistake from the officials. The ref can't be expected to see everything but he should be getting help from his umpires here.
"It's a clear pick up off the ground"
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 15, 2025
The panel put the microscope over Monaghan's controversial second goal in their win over Down
@RTE2 & @RTEplayer
Updates - https://t.co/y3r6wIE1Tu pic.twitter.com/blNoqym08s
What's next?
Down face an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final against one of the third placed teams next weekend in Newry. So far we have Kerry, Dublin and Down facing one of the third placed teams - Cork, Galway or Louth.
Meath, Armagh and Monaghan go straight through to quarter-finals on June 28-29.
The remaining teams in the draw will be confirmed after the 4pm games in group one finish.
Brilliant game of football
We had 56 scores and no end of drama there. That was a great game to watch but that will be no consolation to Down right now.
However they live to fight another day - next weekend.
Controversial goal key
Jack McCarron's second half goal was crucial as Monaghan came from behind. TV replays show he picked the ball off the ground before burying the rebound. With two umpires yards away, and the whole ground staring at the incident, Down will be asking how that was allowed to stand.
A big goal for Jack McCarron and @monaghangaa against @officialdowngaa in the Group 3⃣ decider #MONVDOW pic.twitter.com/KmIg1r1e8E
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 15, 2025
Man of the match
Pat Havern of Down is man of the match but he is not happy after that.
"We were competitive but it's just disappointing not to get over the line. I thought there for a while that we may have had the job done but with the way the rules are now, anything can happen," he said.
"We'll be hoping in Newry we will get over the line (in a prelim quarter-final next week)."
Full-time - Monaghan 2-27 Down 1-26
A great tackle to rob the ball back and Monaghan hold onto possession until the hooter goes. They have seen it out with a big hand off the bench. You can't buy experience.
Monaghan 2-27 Down 1-26
Down break within range and hit the upright from 21 yards out. A couple of key scores left behind there. They win the ball back and win a free 21 yards out. Ryan O'Toole is yellow carded and McCrickard cuts the gap to four. They will need a goal, you'd think
Monaghan possession
Jack McCarron claims a fine mark from a Rory Beggan kickout. Experience and class coming to the fore for Gabriel Bannigan's men
Monaghan 2-27 Down 1-25
Monaghan sub David Garland has no hesitation in shooting as the ball is popped to him and he fires over a lovely point from the right corner. Down need a response fast. They counter and Havern gets a free. Unbelievably, he misses from 21 yards out
Down 3v3 breach - Monaghan four ahead
Schoolboy error as Down push up and forget to leave three men back. Monaghan are gifted a free in front of the posts. They opt to bring it out for a Rory beggan two pointer and why wouldn't they when he can kick a ball like that. Simple. It's 2-26 to 1-25. Four in it all of a sudden. Five minutes left
Ryan O'Toole stunner
Glorious high, lofted score from wide from Monaghan defender Ryan O'Toole, they lead by two
Monaghan lead by one
Monaghan ace Micheal Bannigan cuts inside for another great score, super incisive running. They are 2-23 to 1-24 ahead. What price the draw now?
Monaghan 2-18 Down 1-22
Monaghan hit the post again! This is serious stuff this game. It's pure chaos!
'55
Monaghan 2-17 Down 1-20
Kelly levels the score for Monaghan. McCarron's pick-up looked very, very close to a lift ball there.
'51
Goal! Monaghan 2-16 Down 1-20
Monaghan turn it over and drive forward, a great save and the post deny Monaghan before McCarron scoops one up and finds the net.
'50
Monaghan 1-16 Down 1-20
A second huge goal chance goes wrong for Monaghan. No return off either effort.
Monaghan 1-16 Down 1-20
Miraculous block from Magill saves a certain goal. At the other end, Murdoch's 45 drops into Rory Beggan's greatful arms.
'45
A look at the two goals today
A big goal from Monaghan captain Mícheál Bannigan in this tightly-fought first half against Down
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 15, 2025
@RTE2 & @RTEplayer
Updates - https://t.co/y3r6wIE1Tu pic.twitter.com/IcLTTvi2uY
Down have been battling gamely against Monaghan and got back on terms thanks to this John McGeough goal
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 15, 2025
@RTE2 & @RTEplayer
Updates - https://t.co/y3r6wIE1Tu pic.twitter.com/N94NwnFKIc
Monaghan 1-16 Down 1-17
39 minutes played in Armagh. Momaghan probing, with Rory Beggan often joining the attack.