Football League: Offaly 1-13 1-7 Antrim

Michael Pollock was among the Antrim scorers against Offaly

Antrim lost out to Offaly in the battle for the final promotion spot from Division Four with the Leinster side winning 1-13 to 1-7 in Tullamore.

CJ McGouty's goal on seven minutes put the Saffrons ahead but Nigel Dunne netted for Offaly seconds later and the hosts led 1-5 to 1-2 at the break.

The game remained close until Offaly hit five points without reply while McGourty was sent-off for two yellows.

Offaly go up with Longford while Antrim finish in third place.

The teams came into the game locked on nine points and it was a must-win game for Antrim while second-placed Offaly would be promoted with a draw.

The Saffrons were a side in form with four straight wins and they edged in from when McGourty hit the Laois net.

Laois made an immediate response through Dunne and four points from Bernard Allen helped the Faithful County to a three-point lead at half time.

Michael Pollock slotted over for Antrim on the restart although Laois moved four in front before the Saffrons enjoyed their best spell of the game.

McGourty fired two points followed by another from captain Justin Crozier to leave just a point between the sides.

But three points from William Mulhall saw Laois pull clear again and a Graham Guilfoyle double sealed Antrim's fate.

Saffrons substitute Paddy McBride was black-carded while McGourty was dismissed late in the game after dissent led to a second yellow.

Football League results for Sunday, 5 April

Division One

Derry 2-15 1-11 Cork

Mayo 0-12 1-9 Donegal

Monaghan 1-11 1-22 Dublin

Tyrone 0-17 1-14 Kerry

Division Two

Down 3-12 1-15 Laois

Galway 3-12 1-12 Kildare

Meath 0-14 0-12 Cavan

Westmeath 0-12 2-13 Roscommon

Division Three

Clare 1-14 2-9 Fermanagh

Louth 2-11 2-13 Limerick

Sligo 1-19 1-8 Armagh

Tipperary 2-12 2-15 Wexford

Division Four

Carlow 1-12 1-18 Longford

Offaly 1-13 1-7 Antrim

Wicklow 0-12 2-8 London