Meath too hot for Antrim

Meath 1-19 Antrim 0-11

Meath moved into third spot of Division 3 of the Allianz Football League thanks to a comfortable 1-19 to 0-11 win over Antrim at Casement Park this afternoon.

The Saffrons started brightly with the opening score of the contest from former London player Sean McVeigh, but the Royals subsequently showed no mercy to their opponents.

Mick O'Dowd's charges fired 1-4 without reply, including 1-3 from the boot of Michael Newman (1-6) as the visitors took firm control.

Despite playing against a stiff wind in the opening 35 minutes, Meath led by 1-9 to 0-6 at half-time.

Antrim tried hard on the restart, but luck was not on their side with a Conor Murray goal chance coming off the woodwork.

The Saffrons' woes were further compounded when both Dermot McCann and Murray were dismissed in the closing 35 minutes on second yellow cards.

Meath moved 1-14 to 0-6 ahead following a Conor Gillespie score as Antrim found it hard to stay in touch.

The hosts eventually broke their barren spell, but Meath finished strongly with Graham Reilly claiming some impressive points late on.

Antrim face Monaghan next weekend at Clones, while Meath take on table toppers Fermanagh.