Monaghan fell to a surprise Down defeat, however, topped Allianz League division two.
The pressure was very much off Monaghan, as results other where meant only an extreme set of results would see them miss out on promotion.
Down led 11 points to 1-3 at half-time. Micheal Bannigan with a goal inside the opening 60 seconds, however, Down had the better of the half.
The Mourne men built up a 14-points to 1-3 lead within five second-half minutes. Whereas, then came the hosts comeback.
Monaghan levelled through David Garland’s goal and a Stephen Mooney with seven minutes remaining. 2-14 to 20 points.
Indeed, Conor Laverty’s men dug deep. Points from Shay Millar and Pat Havern (free) in the dying stages earned them a 0-24 to 2-17 victory.
However, it was not to be there day as Louth scored a 1-19 to 17 point win over Meath, to relegate Down.
Whereas, Louth’s victory ended Meath’s promotion hopes and Cavan lost out to Cork. With Westmeath scoring a last gasp equaliser against Roscommon, Monaghan topped the division two table with 10 points.
