Monaghan 0-13 Offaly 0-12:A point by substitute Paul Meegan three minutes into injury time saw Monaghan snatch a late dramatic victory in this thrill-a- minute game at Clones yesterday.

Offaly will be disappointed they contributed immensely to what was a fascinating contest. The accuracy of top scorer Niall McNamee, who finished with nine points, five from frees, kept them in the game especially in the second half.

Monaghan began well with early points from Tom Freeman and Ciarán Hanratty but Offaly began to get a grip around midfield. By the end of the first quarter Offaly had erased the early deficit to lead by two points and the visitors went on to establish a deserved 0-6 to 0-5 interval lead.

Two points from McNamee extended their lead but the introduction of under-21 captain Benny McKenna and Rory Woods began to pay dividends for Monaghan. In a purple patch they hit five points without reply to open a four-point gap.

Offaly replied with four on-the -trot, three from McNamee and one from substitute Aidan Keenaghan to tie the game entering injury time. McNamee had a late chance from another free to restore Offaly's lead but Monaghan's counter-attack saw substitute Meegan snatch a point to put his side into the semi-final and assure them of Division Two football next season.

MONAGHAN: S Duffy; D Morgan, M Duffy, C Flanagan; D Mone (0-1), V Corey, G McQuaid (0-1); E Lennon, D Clerkin; C Hanratty (0-2), S Gollogly, D Freeman; T Freeman (0-5), S Smith (0-2), C McManus. Subs: C Hughes for M Duffy, R Woods (0-1) for D Freeman, B McKenna for C McManus, P Meegan (0-1) for S Gollogly.

OFFALY: O Kelly; G Rafferty, J Quinn, J Keane; P McConway, S Sullivan, K Slattery; A McNamee, N Smith; T Coughlan, N Coughlan (0-1), C McManus; T Deehan (0-1), PJ Ward, N McNamee (0-9, five frees). Subs: S Brady for S Sullivan, P Keelaghan for PJ Ward, A Keenaghan (0-1) for N Smith, J Coughlan for T Coughlan.

Referee: B Toland (Derry).