MAYO's 0-six-point win over neighbours Sligo at Crossmolina yesterday, their sixth victory on the trot, ensures that Mayo will be playing their football in Division Two next year.
Corner back Dermot Flanagan was again in outstanding form and was responsible for denying Sligo of at least two goals in the first half. Although Mayo failed to impress in that opening period, they still went in leading by 0-4 to 0-3 at half-time. Ten minutes into the second half, the home side began to pull clear and a succession of points by full forward James Horan and midfielder Liam McHale saw John Maughan's charges run out easy winners.
Roscommon's 1-15 to 0-11 win over Galway at Ballinasloe sets them up for a promotion showdown with Monaghan in their last match. Despite trailing by four points to one after only 10 minutes, the winners held Galway scoreless for the subsequent 14 minutes as they kicked five points without reply.
In the 16th minute, Galway's Niall Finnegan - scorned a great opportunity to put the home team back in front when he drove the ball wide with only the keeper to beat. Roscommon went in leading by 0-8 to 0-6 at half time and with full forward Fergal O'Donnell continuing to cause the Galway defence problems, the visitors were always in the driving seat in the second period.
Monaghan will know that they will have to play better next time out if they are to claim that second spot. Yesterday, at Casement Park, they struggled to overcome Antrim by 0-12 to 0-7. John McManus accounted for all of Antrim's four first half points as the home team edged into a one point lead at half time.
The introduction of David Byrne to midfield, at half time, and former All Star Ray McCarron to full forward, with 14 minutes to go, swung the game Monaghan's way.
A goal one minute from time from Scott Doran gave Wexford their first win and presents them with a lifeline in their battle to avoid relegation.
Fermanagh, who led by 1-5 to 1-1 at half-time and led for most of the second halt, lost out in the end by 3-6 to 1-8.
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