
by John Fallon
Carlow maintained their perfect run in Division 4 of the Lidl National Football League when they chalked up their seventh win of the campaign and in the process inflicted a first defeat of the season on Leitrim.
Carlow trailed by 0-7 to 0-1 at the break but then took over after the restart and ran out 2-7 to 0-11 winners.
They will now take on either Offaly or Longford — they are tied on nine points each with just their refixed match to come in the division — in the semi-finals while Leitrim will meet neighbours Sligo in the last four.
Leitrim, who ended with Leah Fox hitting 0-5 and Michelle Guckian 0-3, led by six points at the break but second half goals from Cliodhna Ni She, a penalty, and Aibha Kiernan were enough for Carlow top finish top of the table with Sarah Doyle shooting 0-4.
Sligo, who were already through to the semi-finals, wrapped up their schedule with a 2-17 to 1-11 win over Wicklow, having led by 2-11 to 0-4 at the break.
Longford, who led by 0-11 to 1-3 at the interval, kept their semi-final hopes alive with a 3-19 to 1-5 win over Kilkenny.
And Offaly also warmed up for their showdown with Longford by defeating Derry by 3-14 to 1-8, having led by 2-6 to 0-6 at the break.
Lidl National Football League Division 4 (Round 7)
Carlow 2-7 Leitrim 0-11
Sligo 2-17 Wicklow 1-11
Offaly 3-14 Derry 1-8
Longford 3-19 Kilkenny 1-5