With league leaders St Pats not in action until Tuesday evening (V Geraldines) it was up to the chasing pack to keep the pressure on the unbeaten table toppers.

The Dreadnots made it six wins from eight games as they picked up an impressive away win against the O'Connells on Saturday evening. The Dreadnots weren't at their best in the opening half shipping two goals as the Castlebellingham outfit went in at the brea 2-5 to 0-8 ahead.

However the Clogherhead side have proved resilient this year and four points from Liam Shevlin as well as three for James Califf seen them run out 1-16 to 3-7 winners after David O'Brien's goal had drawn them level midway through the half. Dreadnots now lie two points behind Pats with a game more played.

Kilkerley overcame getting two men sent off to record a narrow victory over Cooley who now lie bottom of the table with just three games remaining. Goals from Cathal Bellew and Shane Lennon had given Kilkerley a wonderful start as Cooley failed to cope with the Emmets attack. Two Shane Lennon points just before the break sent Kilkerley in at half time 2-4 to 0-3 in front.

However the Emmets would score just one more point in the game as they seen both Andrew McGuill and Fintan Clarke sent off after an early second half scuffle. Cooley dominated proceedings with their two extra men and got to within a point late on but thankfully for Kilkerley fans their side just about held out to record a narrow 2-5 to 0-10 victory and and remain in third place four points behind the league leaders St Pats.

Dundalk Gaels hopes of a top four finish were dealt a blow as they narrowly lost out to a Christy Grimes inspired Mattock Rangers.Derek Crilly's goal at the end of the opening half sent the Dundalk side in level after a dour opening period with the scoreboard reading 0-4 to 1-1.

A long range Christy Grimes point sent the Collon outfit two points clear late on and despite a late Gaels point, Mattock held on 0-9 to 1-5 and cling on to their fourth place spot by a single point.

Right behind Mattock Rangers lie Newtown Blues who ran out convincing winners against Dundalk side Sean O'Mahonys.Conor Brannigans first half penalty was followed by seven unanswered points to help the Blues establish a 1-11 to 1-1 half-time lead.

David Dowlings second half goal gave the O'Mahony's hope but that hope was wiped out just minutes later when Derek Kierans found the back of the net for the Blues second goal to help secure a 2-18 to 2-9 victory. It was a good weekend for the Drogheda men as they climb three places up to fifth.

Meanwhile Naomh Mairtin climbed off the foot off the table as they eased past the O'Raghallaighs 0-15 to 0-9. The O'Raghallaighs got the first score of the game and created the better chances in the opening 15 minutes. However the Mairtins survived a few goal chances and gradually grew into the game leading by 0-6 to 0-4 at half time.

The Mairtins got the opening score of the second half and started to play well with JP Rooney having a huge influence on the game. The Mairtins had Brian Howell sent off near the end for 2 bookable offences but held out for a much needed win as they overtake Cooley on goal difference at the bottom of the table. Tweet

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