Monaghan end losing streak to extend All-Ireland campaign

Substitute Barry McBennett struck the decisive goal, and 1-02 in all, as Monaghan ended their lengthy barren streak with a vital win to prolong their interest in the All-Ireland SFC.

A first competitive win since beating Dublin in the opening round of the Allianz League in January secured third position in the Group 4 table for Vincent Corey's side.

It might have been even better as Monaghan were only nudged into third position in the table by Louth on scoring difference.

Monaghan led by nine points at the hour mark and at that stage were eyeing second position and a home preliminary quarter-final next weekend.

But a late Meath rally which yielded seven points in a row for the Tailteann Cup holders brought the margin down to just three points at full-time - and Louth ultimately finished three points better off than Monaghan in the table.

That will be a slight frustration for Monaghan supporters as they will be away from home next weekend but after so long without a win, their mood will surely remain positive.

Last year's All-Ireland semi-finalists had nine different scorers in all including free-takers Jack McCarron and Micheal Bannigan who sniped 0-07 between them while All-Star Conor McCarthy excelled again too.

Ryan O'Toole (arm) and Joel Wilson (head) picked up injuries which may hamper them in terms of next weekend's preliminary quarter-final.

Meath's fourth consecutive defeat has ended their season, though manager Colm O'Rourke signalled immediately afterwards that he intends to stay on for 2025.

It was a collision of contrasting styles in Cavan with a couple of heavy downpours, particularly one before throw-in, greasing up the pitch and adding to the early intrigue.

Meath opted to concede the Monaghan kick-out, partly to