Offaly - 0-16 Meath - 0-14: Former Offaly player Michael Duignan could have put one over his former team-mates at O'Connor Park, Tullamore yesterday, but the inaccuracy of his Meath charges denied them a surprise victory.

This Division One relegation play-off victory staves off relegation for Offaly while Meath have to overcome Derry to ensure survival.

Leading by seven points at the break, Offaly became lethargic in the second half and Meath dominated possession. However, Meath were left to rue 10 wides in the second half, a number of which were eminently scoreable. Aided by the wind, Offaly led by 0-6 to 0-2 after 15 minutes and by the interval had established a lead of 0-12 to 0-5.

Meath had plenty of possession in the second half and the home side didn't score until the 39th minute. It was just as well for unimpressive Offaly that Stephen Brown was in splendid form with the Birr man scoring five excellent points, all from play.

For their part, Meath had goalkeeper and captain Mark Gannon to thank for three outstanding saves to keep them in touch.

Inside the last 10 minutes, Meath substitute Padraig Coone doubled on a sideline cut and almost goaled, which would have really put the cat among the pigeons. In injury time, Stephen Byrne had to be alert to deny Thomas Reilly. Despite late Meath pressure, Offaly held on.

OFFALY: S Byrne; D Moran, J Errity, JP O'Meara; M O'Hara (0-1), H Rigney, N Claffey; Barry Whelahan, W Comerford; S Brown (0-5), G Hanniffy, B Murphy (0-2); R Hanniffy (0-1), Brian Whelahan (0-6, 5 frees), B Carroll (0-1). Subs: D Murray for Carroll 47 mins, D Franks for Comerford 60 mins.

MEATH: M Gannon; R Dorran, A O'Reilly, G Kennedy; C Keena, D Murray, K Dowd; N Horan (0-6, 4 frees, 1 65) D Callaghan; T Reilly (0-2), D Dorran (0-1), C Sheridan (0-2); N Reilly (0-2, 1 free), J Donoghue, M Cole (0-1). Subs: P Coone for Donoghue 49 mins.

Referee: G Devlin (Armagh).