Down and Offaly both used home advantage to their benefit securing one-point victories with Cavan and Westmeath running out comfortable winners this weekend in Division 3.
Down 2-18 Antrim 2-17 @ Pairc Esler
Down secured their second win in the third division by the smallest of margins in an engaging Ulster Derby.
The Mourne County came from behind to sicken Andy McEntee’s Antrim, who led by two points at the break courtesy of Ruairí McCann’s two goals.
The visitors led by three or four points for most of the second half until Down scored a second goal through Conor Poland in the 69th minute. Pressure points from Pat Havern and Andrew Gilmore late on meant Down emerged victorious in front of their home support.
Cavan 1-19 Tipperary 1-07 @ Breffni Park
Cavan maintained their unbeaten status after a convincing 12-point win over the Premier County.
Tipperary started well and led by four points in the early stages thanks to a Sean O’Connor goal on 14 minutes.
However, the Premier would largely struggle as the Breffni County found their rhythm and began to put scores together.
Cavan brought a six-point lead into half-time and further capitalised on it in what was a slow second period of play. Oisin Brady accumulated 0-7 from frees and play for Cavan in this tie and the side will be hopeful that his form continues as they look for promotion.
Offaly 1-09 Fermanagh 1-08 @ Glenisk O’Connor Park
Offaly sneaked a one-point win over Fermanagh in Tullamore to continue their perfect start to the league season.
A low-scoring first-half, that saw several wides from both sides, meant the sides entered the break on level terms with a 1-01 each.
The game remained somewhat cagey after the interval although it would be much more engaging.
More scores came in but the neither side could open up a sizeable lead on the other.
Introductions proved key for both sides in this encounter. Fermanagh’s Garvan Jones got three points for his county while Bernard Allen notched five points for Offaly in the second period.
Another Faithful sub, Cian Farrell kicked over the bar in the fourth minute of injury time to secure a big win for the home team.
Longford 0-09 Westmeath 4-16 @ Glennon Brothers Pearse Park
Westmeath recovered from their opening round loss to inflict a heavy 19-point defeat on Longford.
After an even start, Longford burst into a four point lead in the 32nd minute with five consecutive points, three of which came from Dessie Reynolds.
Westmeath came back fast though, and Longford led by just one point at half-time.
The Tailteann Cup holders then went on to hit fifth gear in the second half and hit the back of the Slasher’s net through Luke Loughlin, John Heslin, Sam McCartan and Lorcan Dolan.
Paddy Christie’s O’Byrne Cup winning side couldn’t cope with the scoring power of their opponents and fell to their second defeat.
