Longford held their place at the top of the table with a comfortable win The home side They were never really extended and could afford the luxury of kicking 22 wides, as compared to nine for visitors Waterford.

However, Longford had to be content with a slender 0-4 to 0-1 lead at the break and survived a very lucky escape two minutes into the second half when their excellent goalkeeper Gavin Tonra made a point-blank save from a Francie Halpin shot. This close shave woke up Longford and following a brilliant pitch-length move midfielder Liam Keenan scored a cracking goal that put the issue beyond all doubt.

Longford: G Tonra; B Burke, T Ledwith, C Drake; M Mulleady, D Blessington, E Ledwith; D Hannify (0-1), L Keenan (1-1); D Barden, P Barden, P Ross; J Martin (0-3, one free), P Davis (0-4), A Neilon (0-1). Subs: C Sheridan for Neilon (48 mins); M Connor for D Barden (61); W Skelly for Davis (66); P Brady for Ross (67).

Waterford: B O'Brien; D Ryan, G Walsh, I Walsh; S Briggs, L Hurney, Coffey; M Ahearne, M O'Brien; D Kelleher (0-1), G Hurney (0-2, one free), L Dalton; E Doherty (0-1, free), G Walsh, F Halpin. Subs: P Power for Dalton (46 mins); D Kiely for Kelleher (64); B Hartley for Halpin (65 mins).

Referee: S McGonigle (Donegal).