Matthew Carey's pointed free two minutes into injury-time secured Longford a narrow win against holders and reigning All-Ireland champions Meath in their Leinster MFC round-robin opener.

A strong first-half performance from Gareth Johnson's side laid the foundations for their 1-11 to 1-10 success at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park this afternoon.

Paddy Moran's goal via the penalty spot gave the hosts a 1-7 to 0-5 interval advantage but the Royals fought back after the break and Robbie Finnegan added a point from play in the closing stages to give them the lead for the first time since the first minute.

Longford were down to 14-men for ten minutes after midfielder Jack Belton picked up a black card but still hung on for victory thanks to late points from Michael Flynn and his fellow Clonguish clubman Carey.

In the other group 2 clash, early goals from Killian Browne and Ryan Sinkey (2) helped Kildare power past Offaly with an emphatic 3-12 to 0-5 win at O'Connor Park. The Faithfuls trailed by 3-5 to 0-3 at the midway point, despite having played with a gale force wind.

Dublin recorded the biggest win of the day, as they raised five green flags on their way to a comfortable 5-14 to 1-1 victory over Louth in Stabannon. Conal Ó Riain's second minute strike set the tone, while Joe Quigley, David Mulqueen (2) and Clyde Burke bagged the winners' other majors.

Indeed, goals win games and Laois carried that mantra when beating Westmeath 3-7 to 0-10 at MW Hire O'Moore Park. Conor Gorman’s side, who had goals in either half from Ryan Little, made good use of the elements in the opening period to lead by 1-7 to 0-2 at the break but had to withstand a determined fightback by the visitors before emerging six-point winners.

In group 3, points by Shane Duffy and Cian Gorman Comerford ensured Carlow got the better of neighbours Wexford at Netwatch Cullen Park, 1-8 to 1-5, as Wicklow received a bye.

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