Offaly left the sunny south east with two points after a hard fought five point win over Waterford at Walsh Park on Saturday afternoon in a crucial Group 2 meeting of this year’s Tailteann Cup.

The Faithful County fell behind in the opening stages of the first half with The Nire’s Dylan Guiry striking into the back of the net for the Déise.

However, the Midlands county composed themselves to regain control of the round two meeting to lead 0-08 to 1-02 at half time.

Both sides had their scoring boots on in the second period, but despite Waterford providing a late charge for a share of the spoils Offaly kept the Déise at bay to come away with a five point margin victory on a scoreline of 1-18 to 1-13.

It is now back to back defeats in this year’s competition for the Déise having succumbed to a nine point loss at the hands of Laois last weekend.

Waterford meet Wicklow in their final Group 2 fixture on the weekend of May 31st/June 1st.