An eight-point win did not flatter Cavan against fellow promotion hopefuls Tipperary at Templemore on Saturday. The slicker Ulster outfit controlled a disappointing game all the way. Tipperary had two early points against the run of play; but once Cavan found their range they reeled off the scores to lead 0-7 to 0-3 at the interval. Their use of Bernard Morris as an extra defender helped cut off play from Tipperary dangerman Declan Browne.

Cavan extended their advantage by two further points at the start of the second half; but Tipperary's fading hopes were revived by a Liam England goal in the 17th minute. Tipperary then suffered a big setback when defender Niall Kelly was yellow carded for the second time and sent off in the 22nd minute.

There was no way back now and Cavan cruised home easy winners with promotion still on the agenda.

CAVAN: B McCormack; G Sheridan, T Farrelly, C McCarey; C Collins, A Forde, R Rogers; D McCabe (0-1), P Smith (0-1); P Reilly (0-3), B Morris, L Reilly; J Reilly (0-1), F Cahill (0-2), F Reilly (0-6). Subs: M Graham (0-1) for F Reilly; P Galligan for J Reilly; P Murphy for P Reilly.

TIPPERARY: P Ryan; N Kelly, C O'Dwyer, L Cronin; D Byrne, D Peters, D Gleeson; F O'Callaghan, E Hanrahan; S Maher, D Hogan, L England (1- 0); P Lambert, D Browne (0-2), D O'Brien (0-2). Subs: N Fitzgerald for Hogan; M Sheehan for Gleeson; K Dempsey for O'Brien; D Duggan for Sheehan.

Referee: J Kerney (Cork).