OFFALY extended their winning sequence under new manager, Tommy Lyons, when they inflicted a crushing 13 point defeat on Fermanagh in a top of the table clash at Tullamore.

Forced to make two changes on their selected side when Paddy McGuinness and Paul Greene were ruled out by injury, Fermanagh struggled from the throw in. Offaly, backed by a strong breeze, shot into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes with Vinny Claffey their goalscorer after Peter Brady created the opening. The same players were involved in the home side's second goal in the 19th minute, with Brady this time applying the finish to the opening created by Claffey.

Fermanagh trailed 2-5 to 0-3 at half time, but within half a minute of the resumption their big band of travelling supporters must have thought the tide was turning when Rory Gallagher's free was finished to the Offaly net by Oliver McShea. But Fermanagh failed to build on this score and continued to short pass their way into trouble. Indeed, they were not to score again despite the elements being in their favour and it was Offaly who piled on the pressure to put themselves in a very strong position to claim a league quarterfinal place.

In the other games in the division, Sligo struggled for 40 minutes before finally overcoming a spirited Waterford team at Markievicz Park by 0-10 to 0-5, and it took Limerick until six minutes from the end to score their opening point at Newcastlewest in their game against Tipperary, which they lose 0-3 to 0-6. Carlow, despite being without their Eire Og contingent, beat Kilkenny 2- 12 to 0-7 at Dr Cullen Park.