Cavan restored some pride to their current League campaign when they outplayed Carlow to win in convincing fashion at Breffni Park yesterday.

A home win was anticipated and despite a sluggish start, Cavan were full value for their halftime lead of 1-9 to 0-3, the goal coming in the 16th minute from Mickey Graham.

More of the same was anticipated in the second half as Carlow's limitations were clearly exposed. When Adrian Lambe scored Cavan's second goal in the 43rd minute there was no way back for Carlow, who managed to reply with a series of points.

However, this was clearly a damage limitation exercise and despite a goal from Pat Nolan, they failed to make any impact. Cavan's third goal from Dermot McCabe, who is back after suspension, merely emphasised Cavan's total control.

Cavan: B McCormack; S Smith, K Farrelly, C McCarey; G Sheridan, A Forde (0-2), R Rogers; B McCabe (1-3), P Smith; P Reilly (0-5), A Lambe (1-1), L Reilly (0-1), J Reilly, F Cahill, M Graham (1-3). Subs: C Collins for S Smith, B Morris for J Reilly, E Reilly for L Reilly, P Shiels for G Sheridan.

Carlow: J Clarke; B Farrell, A Corden, V Fleming; J Hughes, S O'Brien, J Kavanagh; K Walker, J Morrissey (0-1); M Carpenter, S Kavanagh (0- 1), P Nolan (1-2); J Nevin (0-1), R Donnelly, M Nolan (0-2). Subs: D Bermingham (0-1) for S O'Brien, C Kelly for J Hughes, D Connolly for B Farrell, B Kelly for M Nolan.

Referee: G Lynch (Fermanagh).