Cavan are one game away from the semi-finals by virtue of this win over managerless Fermanagh at Kingscourt yesterday. Their victory ensures their final game in the group against Donegal on Sunday next will decide which side enters the knockout stages.

Fermanagh began well and led 1-6 to 0-4 by the 27th minute, with half forward Ciarán Donnelly scoring 1-3.

But Cavan began to settle and a goal from Jason Reilly, followed by points from Larry Reilly and Gerald Pierson, levelled the scores by half-time, at 1-7 each.

Cavan took charge early in the second half and points from Pierson and Seán Brady put the home side three points in front. Fermanagh were reduced to 14 when Declan Reilly was sent off for a second yellow card.

Almost immediately, Cavan made victory secure with their second goal in the 44th minute from Seán Brady to stretch their lead to six points.

CAVAN: E Elliott; G Sheridan, D Rabbitt, E Reilly; K Crotty, T Crowe, S Smith; S Maguire, P McKenna; A Forde (0-1), J Tierney (0-1), S Brady (1-1); L Reilly (0-1), J Reilly (1-3), G Pierson (0-5). Subs: T Prior for G Sheridan, C Collins for J Tierney, P Brady for T Prior, M KcKeever for L Reilly, A Coleman for S Maguire.

FERMANAGH: D Feely; R Johnston, B Carty, D O'Reilly; P Sherry, S Lyons, D Kelly (0-1); S McDermott, J Sherry (0-1); C Boyle, C Donnolly (1-7), R Keenan (0-2); S Maguire, K Coyle, B McBrien. Subs: M O'Reilly for K Coyle, G Maguire for B McBrien.

Referee: P Hughes (Armagh).