Leitrim reached the Tailteann Cup quarter-finals following a 2-14 to 1-12 victory over Antrim in their first round clash at Carrick-on-Shannon.
Andy Moran’s men led 1-9 to 0-4 at the half-time break and held off a second-half resurgence from Antrim to emerge victorious.
Leitrim would’ve been keen to lay down an early marker having recently suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Galway and such urgency was evident in the opening half.
Shane Moran’s goal on 19 minutes saw them lead 1-5 to 0-3 before points from Keith Beirne (two), Donal Wrynn and Cillian McGloin made it an eight-point game at the break.
Jack Heslin registered Leitrim’s second goal within four minutes of the restart and suddenly, the hosts moved ten points clear.
On 56 minutes, Peter Healy found the net for Antrim before points from Pat Shivers, Dermot McAleese and Ruairi McCann left four points between with as many minutes remaining.
Leitrim finished impressively and late points from Mark Plunkett and Beirne sealed a five-point victory. Andy Moran’s men can now look forward to a last eight clash next weekend.
