Tailteann Cup Group Two

Meath 3-17 Waterford 1-14

Three second-half goals ensured Meath will advance to the knockout stages of the Tailteann Cup despite an uncomfortable first half at Fraher Field.

They still led at half-time, 0-9 to 1-4, but Waterford had a goal from Jason Curry and could’ve added a couple more.

But Colm O’Rourke’s protégés learned the required lessons for the second half, with goals from Mathew Costello (1-5), Jordan Morris, and Donal Lenihan (1-2 each) seeing them run out nine-point victors.

It gives Meath two wins from two heading into their final game against Down, while winless Waterford could still potentially advance with a victory over Tipperary. Both games will take place at neutral venues.

Visiting goalkeeper Seán Brennan was called into action from the off, making a double save to deny Darragh Corcoran, who ended with eight points, including seven frees.

Meath otherwise started with the first four points, from Aaron Lynch, scoring the first three of his six-point tally, and Costello. 

But a couple of Corcoran frees followed by a fine goal from Curry had Waterford back level.

Two points apiece from Lynch and Costello settled Meath; that duo would combine for their entire 0-9 total in the first half.

Still, they needed another Brennan save to prevent Brian Lynch sending the Déise into the dressing rooms ahead.

Conor Murray narrowed the deficit to one on the resumption but Costello jump-started the Royals with 1-1 in response.

Eoghan Frayne had a point on his debut to keep Meath’s lead at five before Morris applied the killer blow, slotting a penalty after 55 minutes as part of a 1-3 streak.

Lenihan came on for Aaron Lynch and quickly had 1-2 to his name, capitalising on a defensive mistake for his goal before adding an advanced mark and a free in the closing minutes.