DESPITE dominating for much of this National Hurling League Division Two clash, Meath trailed for long spells and had to come from 0-7 to 1-5 behind at the interval to gain a well deserved victory over Ant rim at Trim.

The more purposeful and committed side throughout, Meath's territorial supremacy was never made count until five minutes from the end, when the impressive Pat Potterton added a goal to the seven points he had already scored to give his side a 1-11 to 1-7 winning lead.

Antrim's only response was a pointed free two minutes later from Aidan McCloskey, although their first half goalscorer, Paul Graham, almost had a second in the last minute when his 21-yard free came crashing back off the crossbar.

However, it would have been rough justice on the home side who excelled in defence, particularly the half back line of John Gorry, Declan Murray and Sean Kealy.

Antrim's cause wasn't helped when Paul McKillen was carried off after only six minutes and they suffered a further blow early in the second half when corner forward Alastair Elliot was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg.