Dundalk Gaels turned in a strong second half display to defeat Newtown Blues by 2-13 to 1-5 at The Ramparts on Saturday evening and in the process ease their relegation concerns.

The Dundalk side ensured they are clear of the automatic relegation place but are still not certain to avoid the play-off position, while the result represents a setback for the Blues in their efforts to make the top four.

The Blues started the game well with a goal from Andy McDonnell but despite losing Gerard McSorley to a red card, the Gaels responded with a goal from Derek Crilly to lead by 1-6 to 1-4 at the break.

The hosts took complete control in the second half and three points followed by a David McComish goal put the game beyond the Blues who could only add one point to their tally.

The O Raghallaighs find themselves in a similar position to the Gaels as a 1-14 to 1-11 win over the Dreadnots edged them towards Division 1 survival.

Against a Clogherhead side who had already qualified for the semi-finals, the Drogheda men had the better of the first half and a Keith Hughes goal helped them lead by 1-6 to 0-7 at half time.

The hosts continued to hold the upper hand in the second half as Chris Smith chipped in with some good scores and that helped them hold on for victory despite a goal from Dreadnots sub David O'Brien.

O'Connells and Mattock Rangers went into this game needing a victory to enhance their prospects of making the semi-final but at the end of an entertaining game they finished level at 1-13 apiece.

The O'Connells were in fine form in the first quarter and held a healthy advantage when Cian Doyle scored the first goal of the game. However, Mattock battled back with a goal from Robert Brennan to reduce the deficit to 1-10 to 1-6 at half time.

The Collon men then battled back to level the game entering the dying minutes before Niall Conlon looked to have won it for the home side. However, Mattock hit back and a David Reid point from a disputed free saw the teams finish level.

Cooley Kickhams joined the group of teams who made themselves safe from automatic relegation when they defeated bottom side, Geraldines at Haggardstown by 2-15 to 2-8 on Saturday evening.

The visitors enjoyed the greater share of possession throughout the hour and a goal from Conor Rafferty and points from Brian White had them in a good position. However, the Gers remained in touch at the break when trailing by just 1-8 to 2-2 thanks to goals from Shaun Callan and Dara Hamill.

Cooley remained in control after the interval and a Gerry Malone goal sealed the win.

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