Cole's goals prove the difference for Meath in Navan

Kerrie Cole helped herself to an outstanding haul of 2-02 at Pairc Tailteann in Navan on Sunday as Meath withstood a strong final quarter fightback from Waterford to earn their third win from as many games in Division One of the Lidl National Football League.

In a confident mood following their nine-point victory over Mayo six days earlier, the Royals made a sensational start to this contest as Cole rattled the net inside the opening 30 seconds for her fourth goal in just three games this year.

While Waterford settled into the action with points from Brid McMaugh and Lauren McGregor (free) either side of a Ciara Smyth score at the opposite end, Meath stretched four clear when Cole and Marion Farrelly split the posts in quick succession. Despite the impressive McMaugh kicked her second point of the day, their Leinster counterparts kept the scoreboard ticking over through the reliable boots of Smyth and Cole.

The Waterford challenge was rejuvenated when a McGregor shot from close-range was deflected into the net on 21 minutes, but Meath immediately reinforced their authority with scores from Smyth and Farrelly. McGregor later brought her personal tally up to 1-02 with a pointed free, before Vikki Wall and Niamh Gallogly did likewise to give the Royals a 1-09 to 1-04 interval cushion.

Although the Deise made a bright start to the second half courtesy of a Kellyann Hogan point, Meath secured their second goal in the 33rd minute after Cole palmed home off a Smyth free that had dropped short.

After Waterford wing-back Aine O'Neill and Wall traded scores, McGregor knocked over another free to leave the visitors six points adrift at 2-10 to 1-07 moving into the closing quarter.

The Munster side were playing with the aid of a breeze on