Longford made a losing start to the Nicky Rackard Cup going down by 2-13 to 1-14 against Donegal at Letterkenny.
Derek Frehill’s man produced a fine display in the second-half but left themselves with too much work to do after trailing by 11 points to five at half-time.
Longford later reduced the gap to two points at the second water break before second-half substitute Ritchie Ryan found the net making it a five-point game with 19 minutes left
Longford rallied once again and a point each from Daniel Connell, Iomar Creaven and Alan Ward reduced the deficit before a goal by Ronan McDermott restored the five-point cushion for the hosts.
Longford didn’t lie down and Joe O'Brien bagged 1-1 in the closing stages leaving a single score between them before Ciaran Matthewson sealed victory with a late free.
Elsewhere, Leitrim endured a difficult afternoon at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh losing by 1-21 to 12 points against Armagh in the opening round of the Nicky Rackard Hurling Championship.
Armagh laid a solid foundation for a convincing win in the first half leading by 15 points to five at the break.
Leitrim later reduced the margin before a 48th minute goal from Shaun Toal along with a further two points put daylight between them at the second water break.
Both sides traded three points each in the final quarter as Armagh ran out convincing winners.
