MONAGHAN 0-11 CARLOW - 1-7:Monaghan had to stave off a spirited late Carlow rally before deservedly emerging with both points at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, yesterday. The visitors held a distinct advantage in forward finishing throughout the game and led 0-7 to 0-4 at half-time.

Midway through the second half Monaghan led by double scores (0-10 to 0-5) before Carlow's superior fitness manifested itself. The recent O'Byrne Cup winners were right back in the game when substitute Gavin Walker scored a superb goal with 12 minutes remaining after great work by Willie Quinlan.

Carlow twice cut the arrears to a single point but could not force a leveller. Monaghan defended tightly and in midfielder Eoin Lennon had the best player on view. In attack Thomas Freeman, Rory Woods and top-scorer Damien Freeman were outstanding.

In contrast, Carlow forward Brian Carbery, who scored five points, 0-4 from frees, was the only one of the starting six to make the score sheet.

Carlow: P McGrath; S Myers, A Corden, M Drea; J Kavanagh, J Byrne, S O'Brien; J McGrath (0-1), G Ware; P Kiernan, W Quinlan, S Kavanagh; B Carbery (0-5), J Nevin, T Walsh. Subs: G Walker (1-0) for Kiernan, C Hayden for J McGrath, P Nolan (0-1) for Kyers.

Monaghan: G Murphy; G McQuaid, D McDermott, C Flanagan; JP Mone, R Ronaghan, D McArdle (0-1); E Lennon, J Hughes; T Freeman (0-2), R Woods (0-1), J McElroy; C Malone (0-2), P Duffy, D Freeman (0-5). Subs: P McKenna for McElroy, P McGuigan for Woods.

Referee: S Kearney (Cork).