Nigel Elliotts injury-time goal gave Antrim victory over Offaly at Birr, 2-21 to 2-18.

The result is largely insignificant as the hosts were already through to the last eight and the Saffrons knew theyd be in the relegation play-off regardless, but this was nevertheless an entertaining contest played in terrific spirit.

The winners led by 1-10 to 1-9 at the break, with Daniel McCloskey registering their first three-pointer and Peter Geraghty netting for the midlanders. With 2,000 in attendance, Shane Dooleys 52^nd-minute goal wiped out a three-point deficit but there was no time for Offaly to respond when Elliott pounced at the death.

The Glensmen will face Laois to see who goes down to 2A, while Offaly are due to take on Kilkenny next weekend for a place in the league semi-finals.

Antrim - R Elliott; A Graffin, J Dillon, R McCambridge (0-1); J Maskey (0-2), P Burke, C McKinley (0-1); G Walsh, E Campbell (0-2); C Johnston (0-2), N McManus (0-7, 4f), M Armstrong (0-1); D McKinley (0-1), C McCann (0-2), D McCloskey (1-0). Subs: S Rooney for A Graffin, N Elliott (1-0) for M Armstrong, D Kearney for G Walsh, J McNaughton (0-2) for D McKinley, C Carson for D McCloskey.

Offaly - C Slevin; T Spain, D Shortt (0-1), P Rigney; D King (0-1), D Doughan, J Quinn; D Egan, S Kinsella; C Cleary, C Kiely (0-2, 1f), P Geraghty (1-1); L Langton (0-1), J Bergin (0-5, 2f, 1'65), J Gorman (0-1). Subs: R Hughes for C Cleary, S Dooley (1-6, 0-6f) for J Bergin, S Ryan for S Kinsella, C Mahon for C Kiely, T Geraghty for P Geraghty.

Referee - J Ryan.

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