Wexford keep pressure on in Division 2B

Wexford's footballers kept the heat on Division 2B's pace-setting sides, Meath and Cavan, as their trip to Belfast today resulted in a 2-14 to 1-10 victory over Antrim.

Paul Bealin's side secured their third win in four league games as second-half goals from Matty Forde (47 minutes) and captain Ciarán Deeley (50) helped them see off the Saffrons. Deeley also scored four points for the visitors.

Antrim had looked on course to overhaul a 0-8 to 0-5 half-time deficit as Paddy Cunningham and Ciarán Close both pointed to narrow the gap to a single score.

Forde then struck and Deeley's major really rocked Jody Gormley's men back on the heels.

The hosts, who lost centre-back Gavin Bell to a second yellow-card offence, did try to mount a comeback with substitute Joe Quinn netting in the closing stages.

Two first-half goals from dual player Leighton Glynn saw Wicklow take a much-needed 2-8 to 0-8 win over Waterford in today's only other game in Division 2B.

Glynn, who grabbed a point for the Garden County hurlers in their encouraging success over Laois last week, was the game's best player in difficult conditions in Dungarvan.

Last night, Meath and Cavan both posted home wins in Division 2B to keep the pace at the top of the table with both sides having seven points.

The Royals saw off the challenge of Tipperary, winning by 1-14 to 2-8 under the Páirc Tailteann floodlights, but they did not have it all their own way, despite going 0-3 to no score ahead with Cian Ward, Stephen Bray and Peadar Byrne all firing over.

Declan Browne replied for Tipp before Meath moved five points clear but two goals in the space of two minutes completely changed the game's complexion.

Eamon Hanrahan and Philip Austin both netted to help Tipp take a suprising 2-3 to 0-8 lead into the break.

Former captain Graham Geraghty goaled for Meath, rasping a shot in off the crossbar to see Meath retake the lead.

Points from Shane McInerney, Stephen McGowan and Ward left them 1-12 to 2-4 ahead and despite some late scores from Brown, who top-scored for Tipp with 0-5, Colm Coyle's men won out.

A 46th-minute goal from substitue Lorcan Mulvey helped to carve out Cavan's 1-9 to 0-10 win over Sligo at Breffni Park.

Donal Keoghan's home side burst into a 0-8 to 0-3 half-time lead with Jason Reilly (0-3) their top scorer.

Mulvey's goal was Cavan's second-last score. Cian Mackey grabbed a point soon afterwards as Sligo dominated the closing 20 minutes but failed to find the net.

Mark Breheny, who was dismissed for two yellow cards, and Paul Taylor led the Sligo scoring with 0-3 each.

RESULTS:

Antrim 1-10 Wexford 2-14, Casement Park

Waterford 0-8 Wicklow 2-8, Dungarvan

Meath 1-14 Tipperary 2-8, Navan

Cavan 1-9 Sligo 0-10, Breffni Park