The academic nature of this fixture was reflected in a very low-key encounter in Scotstown yesterday, with the home side always in control, although poor finishing didn't help Tipperary's cause.

Goals effectively wrapped up this result for Monaghan. They had two in the first half - Darren Farmer in the 15th minute and Gary Meehan in the 26th minute - to put Monaghan eight points in front at that stage.

In the final five minutes of the first half, the sides exchanged points twice to leave Monaghan in front by eight at the break, 2-5 to 0-3.

In the second half, the pace of the game increased considerably with Monaghan extending their lead to 10 points within two minutes of the re-start, with points by Jason Hughes and Gary Meehan. Tipperary now enjoyed their best spell and they pulled back three points in quick succession - two from James Williams and the third from John Shanahan, who was always contriving to create openings.

That, however, was as good as it got for the visitors with Monaghan cancelling out those efforts with three points themselves from Paul O'Connor, Dermot McArdle and Darren Farmer, before effectively wrapping up the issue with a third goal from Gary Meehan five minutes from the end of normal time.

Tipperary pulled back a late goal and a point from full forward Shane McDermott, but they were merely consolation scores.

MONAGHAN: G Murphy; S McGeogh (0-1), D McDermott, M McBride; D McArdle (0-1), C Flanagan, P McKenna; J Hughes (0-1), E Lennon; D Farmer (1-4), P O'Connor (0-1), D Clerkin; D Smyth, G Meehan (2-2), D Freeman (0-1). Subs: T Freeman (0-1) for D Smyth; N Marron for C Flanagan; N Malone for D Clerkin; A Callan for D Freeman.

TIPPERARY: P Ryan; C O'Dwyer, D Byrne, L Cronin; W Morrissey (0-1), N Kelly, G McCarthy; K Maguire (0-1), S Maher (0-1); J Shanahan (0-2), E Hanrahan, T Connor; K Mulryan, S McDermott (1-1), J Williams (0- 3). Subs: D Hackett for N Kelly; D O'Brien for K Mulryan; G Slattery for E Hanrahan; N Sheehan for C O'Dwyer.

Referee: J Smith (Meath).