Easy win gives Down top spot

Down pipped Westmeath for top place in Division Two A with a 2-23 to 1-9 win over Roscommon at Portaferry, yesterday.

Despite an Adrian Coyne goal that put the visitors 1-4 to 0-5 up after 18 minutes, the contest was decided by half-time, when Down, having faced the breeze, led by 0-15 to 1-7.

Down's first goal, in the 50th minute came from man of the match Paul Branniff, while substitute Gareth Johnston added their second five minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Kildare claimed their first Division Two A success with a seven-point win over Derry in Newbridge.

In Division Two B, a solid second-half performance saw Wicklow get the better of Mayo by 0-22 to 0-16 in Ballina. The win ensured Wicklow's progress to the promotion play-offs.

The scores were tied at 0-12 to 0-12 at the interval but a fabulous point from a 55-yard sideline cut by Christy O'Toole in the 62nd minute epitomised Wicklow's second-half performance.

Meath beat Carlow by 1-13 to 0-12 at Dr Cullen Park.