The result saw Monaghan draw level on four points with Armagh, but their defeat to the Orchard men earlier on in the league counted against them.

Paul Finlay, a late addition to the starting line-up, starred for the home side with 0-11 (0-10f), although Mayo led by 1-09 to 1-07 at half-time.

Tommy Freeman and Andy Moran swapped first half goals and Mayo’s Jason Doherty added his seventh goal of the league campaign after the break.

This was a 'win at all costs' tie for Monaghan who were hoping to secure their first league victory over Mayo since 1986.

With last weekend's win over Cork ensuring his team's Division 1 status, Mayo boss James Horan opted to make seven changes to the side.

Finlay hit four points in the opening half and the returning Freeman scored 1-03, with his goal coming as early as the sixth minute. By that stage Mayo had points from Doherty, Kevin McLoughlin and Ballymun Kickhams clubman James Burke.

In the lead-up to the goal, Monaghan built from the back with a long delivery out of defence. The ball was then sent skywards and full-forward Chris McGuinness' touch fell for Freeman to knock to to the net straight from the ground.

Points from Freeman, Conor McManus (free) and Finlay helped the Farney men build a 1-04 to 0-05 lead, and they failed to convert two goal-scoring chances.

McManus shot against goalkeeper David Clarke and the resulting '45' was missed. Finlay, who was in devastating form from placed balls, then drove a shot wide when the Mayo defence, which has struggled in recent weeks, afforded him too much space.

Another long range free from Finlay made it 1-07 to 0-07 to the hosts, before Mayo put on a spurt before the break. Points from Aidan Campbell and Doherty were enhanced by a goal from captain for the day Andy Moran, who profited from a well-timed pass from Doherty.

Within three minutes of the restart, Freeman and Finlay had kicked Monaghan level and further scores from Campbell, McManus, Finlay and Moran, with a fisted effort, left the tie tantalisingly poised at 1-11 apiece.

Doherty inspired the visitors with a superb individual goal. The Burrishoole sharpshooter wormed his way in from the end line and created enough space to thread the ball home and give his side a three-point buffer.

Yet that was as good as it got for Mayo. Finlay replied with two points and was to the fore in the closing stages, during which defender Darren Hughes also raided forward for a terrific point.

Burke hit Mayo's final point and although this was a much-improved display from Eamonn McEneaney's Monaghan side, they will be playing Division 2 football next year.