Offaly 1-9 Antrim 1-8  OFFALY STAGED a dramatic late recovery to end Antrim's perfect record in Division Three in Tullamore yesterday afternoon. Results elsewhere ensured Antrim remain out on top despite this defeat.

In the first half Patrick Cunningham got all the Antrim scores as they built up a 1-4 to 0-4 interval lead. His goal came from a 15th minute penalty and put Antrim in the driving seat.

With Offaly struggling in many facets of play, Antrim remained in control for much of the second half. They were 1-7 to 0-6 ahead with 51 minutes gone and looked to be heading for their fifth consecutive win.

Offaly, however, were reading from a different script and found some form at the right time. John Reynolds was wide with a good goal chance before two Niall McNamee points reduced the deficit to two points.

Brendan Herron reopened a three-point gap but that proved to be Antrim’s last score. A hard worked David Egan point was followed by a penalty goal from Niall McNamee eight minutes from time after Ciarán McManus was fouled.

There was still ample time for Antrim to save it but Cunningham was wide with a late free as Offaly held on for a win that has left it all to play for in this division with two rounds left.

OFFALY:A Mulhall; S Lonergan, S Sullivan, C Kiely; B Darby, K Slattery, P McConway; R Dalton, J Coughlan; A Sullivan, P Sullivan, C McManus (0-2, one free); D Egan (0-3), J Reynolds (0-2), N McNamee (1-2, 1-0 penalty). Subs:B Connor for P Sullivan (29 mins), A Lynam for Lonergan (29 mins), S Brady for Coughlan (57 mins).

ANTRIM:S McGreevy; D McCannm A Douglas, K O'Boyle; T Scullion, P Carey, D O'Hagan; M McCann, B Herron (0-1); C Close (0-1), T McCann, J Loughrey; P Cunningham (1-6, 1-0 penalty, 0-3 frees), G O'Boyle, C Murray. Subs:P Doherty for Close (49 mins), M Pollock for T McCann (53 mins), S Finch for D McCann (69 mins).

Referee: T Quigley (Dublin).