Carlow footballers went two points clear at the top as a consequence of this merited, if unexpected win over Cavan at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow. Cavan, still seeking a first win under new manager Val Andrews, were far from impressive, though they trailed only by 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time having played into the strong wind.

With former All Star Dermot McCabe proving a good target man, the Breffni men edged into a two-point lead following two strikes by McCabe towards the end of the third quarter.

But Cavan failed to score in the final quarter as Carlow benefited from the changes which saw Jody Morrissey go to midfield where he partnered Eire Og clubman Peter Kingston, who come on as a substitute early in the second half.

Carlow finished much the stronger side and a brace of points from Michael Nolan and midfielder Sean Kavanagh gave them victory and a two-point cushion at the top of the division.

CARLOW: J Clarke; B Farrell, A Corden, P O'Dwyer; J Kavanagh (0-1), K Walker, J Murphy; S Kavanagh (0-1), P Nolan; J Byrne, J Morrissey (0-2), M Carpenter (0-1); M Nolan (0-3), J Nevin, M Dowling (0-2). Subs: P Doyle for O'Dwyer, P Kingston for Byrne, N Doyle for Dowling.

CAVAN: B McCormack; R Galligan, T Farrelly, G Sheridan; A Forde, B Morris (0-1), R Rodgers; P McKenna, P Smith (0-1); L Reilly (0-1), R Carolan (0-2), F O'Reilly; J Reilly, D McCabe (0- 3), M Graham. Subs: J Coffey for F O'Reilly, F Cahill for Carolan.

Referee: J Woods (Dublin).