GARVAN JONES’ four-point haul proved decisive as OFFALY fell foul of the new rules against FERMANAGH.
A late ‘three man up’ call went against the Faithful and was key in Ederney with the Ernesiders winning 1-13 to 3-6.
Declan McCusker and Cillian Bourke traded early goals but Fermanagh outscored Offaly by nine points in the remainder of the half despite playing into the breeze.
McCusker and Darragh McGurn controlled the middle as Offaly had no answers.
That was until the second half when Dylan Hyland and Cormac Egan struck goals.
The match hinged on a decision where Hyland picked up a ball at midfield and referee Kevin Falloon deemed he crossed halfway.
Jones struck with a 13m free to put two points between the sides — meaning that Daire McDaid’s late point was not enough for Offaly to salvage a draw.
Meanwhile, LONGFORD snatched a last-gasp 2-11 to 1-12 victory over WATERFORD at Pearse Park.
The Midlanders at half-time thanks to two Aaron Farrell goals.
But the Déise were excellent after the break and took the lead with 66 minutes on the clock after two James Power scores.
However, Aaron Carey’s free from outside the arc and an injury-time Daniel Reynolds score snatched victory for the Leinster side.
