Down go top as Limerick beat Longford

DOWN 2-15 OFFALY 1-7

Down bounced to the top of Division 3 of the National Football League tonight thanks to a facile 11-point victory over Offaly at Páirc Esler in Newry.

Ross Carr's charges were well-matched by the visitors in the opening stages, with the sides tied at 1-0 to 0-3 after 11 minutes following a Niall McNamee goal for Offaly.

However, Down added a goal and four points before the interval. Their three-pointer was a well-worked score in the 27th minute.

A sideline kick was sent in by Paul McComiskey to Brendan Coulter and he laid off a pass to Stephen Kearney who slotted to the net with ease.

Down led by 1-7 to 1-3 at the interval, and although Offaly added two points inside three minutes after the restart, the second half was all about the hosts.

Coulter was again involved in laying off the pass for his side's 46th minute goal, which full-forward Ronan Murtagh banged to the net with ease.

Down failed to ease up, scoring 1-7 without reply in a 16-minute spell, and although Offaly added late scores from Niall McNamee and Niall Darby, the hosts were not to be denied victory.

Limerick 0-10 Longford 0-07

Limerick's recent good run of form continued on their travels at Pearse Park this afternoon as they carved out a three-point win over Longford in Division 3 of the National Football League.

The Shannonsiders began impressively and led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the interval, with free-taker Ciaran O'Callaghan on target with four first half points - all from placed balls.

A wind-assisted Longford battled bravely on the restart with Ger Deneghan and Francis McGee among those keeping the hosts in touch.

McGee kicked three points from frees as Longford cut the deficit to three points with 13 minutes remaining.

Although the teams were evenly matched in the closing quarter, Ballylanders clubman O'Callaghan continued to be unerring from frees as Limerick secured their third win of the campaign.