LONGFORD'S hopes of forcing a play-off with Donegal for the Division Four title and the sole promotion spot were dashed at the Slashers ground when they were beaten by 2-9 to 1-9 by Monaghan.

The visitors led by 1-5 to 0-1 after 21 minutes but a determined fight-back by the Longford had. them lending by 1-7 to 1-5 going into the final quarter. Monaghan, however, moved up a gear and proceeded to score 1-4 on the trot, the match-winning goal coming from Ciaran Connolly five. minutes from time.

Tyrone edged into second place with a 3-7 to 0-5 win over Leitrim, who have yet to record their first win. The sides were level 0-3 each at half-time but three goals in the final quarter, two from Terry McCann and another from Padraig Devlin gave the home side a winning margin they scarcely deserved. Alan O'Shea was Leitrim's only scorer.

Sligo scored their second win of the campaign with a 2-7 to 1-7 win over neighhours Mayo at Markievicz park.