Monaghan's survival chances were dealt a major blow following a 3-12 to 0-14 defeat to Galway at Clones.
Three first-half goals gave Galway a solid platform for victory. The visitors finished with seven points to spare.
The sides cancelled each other out during the opening 17 minutes, the scoreboard was level at two points each.
Dessie Ward and Jack McCarron on target for Monaghan, Rob Finnerty and Rory Cunningham with the opening scores for the Tribesmen.
Jack McCarron edged Monaghan in front on 25 minutes before Galway found another gear by completing a six-point swing.
Rory Cunningham found the net 60 seconds later before adding another goal on the half-hour mark making it 2-3 to 0-4.
Scores from Jack McCarron, Micheal Bannigan and Michael Hamill handed Monaghan a minor lifeline by making it a three-point game heading into first-half stoppage time.
Monaghan's endeavours were cancelled out on the stroke of half-time. Cein Darcy's goal saw Galway lead 3-4 to 0-7 after John Maher had challenged Monaghan keeper Darren McDonnell.
Monaghan brought it back to a five-point game 11 minutes into the second half. Dessie Ward slotted over a score.
Cillian O’Curraoin gave Galway a six-point cushion five minutes later. Conor McCarthy replied for Monaghan two minutes later. Conor McManus played in McCarthy. The three-time All Star’s introduction from the bench was greeted by a cacophony of noise from the home supporters.
O’Curraoin pushed Galway nine points clear on 61 minutes. McCarron and McCarthy replied for the Farney men bring it back to a seven-point game two minutes later.
The sides traded two points each thereafter as Monaghan suffered a heavy defeat. The result leaves Vinny Corey’s men rooted to the bottom of the table with justtwo rounds of Allianz league division one remaining.
