Offaly pip reigning U20 champions Kildare in Leinster

Offaly eked out a one-point win over reigning All-Ireland champions Kildare in their U20 Leinster SFC clash in the Faithful Fields in Kilcormac this evening.

Marcas Dalton fisted over the winning point with a minute remaining to edge a low-scoring encounter 0-08 to 1-04 to put the hosts in a great position to progress from Group 1.

Offaly, who lost to Louth last week, led 0-06 to 0-02 at half-time with Dalton landing the opening two points, with further scores from Diarmuid O'Neill, Ross Kelleghan, Christopher McKeon and Niall Furlong.

Both sides only added a point apiece to their tally in the opening 20 minutes of the second half until Ross Harris' goal narrowed Kildare's deficit to a point. Colm Dalton levelled it moments before his namesake from Offaly settled the tie.

Elsewhere in Group 1, Louth made it two wins from two with a five point victory away to Longford in Clonguish.

Two first half goals from Kieran McArdle - the first in the opening minute, the second from the penalty spot - left them 2-08 to 2-03 clear at half-time.

Longford's goals came courtesy of Michael Flynn and Andrew Flynn, the latter putting them two clear on 19 minutes before Louth took control in the second quarter.

While Longford rattled off five points on the trot in a strong third quarter, the Wee County powered home, Liam Flynn's goal sealing the win on a 3-14 to 2-12 scoreline.

In Group 3, Meath got their campaign off to a winning start, eliminating Westmeath in the process on an emphatic scoreline of 0-18 to 2-05.

In the only three-team group, Westmeath shipped a 12-point loss at home to Dublin last week and were outclassed in Ashbourne, going to by seven despite goals from Jack Dungan and Tadhg Baker.

Ahead of their tussle in Parnell Park next