Dual star Higgins scored 2-01 in the final two minutes as a late Mayo rally shocked Westmeath in this keenly-contested encounter.

Westmeath looked set for a comfortable win following second half goals from John Shaw and Brendan Murtagh.

However Higgins was clinical with his finishing in the closing minutes to steal a much-needed victory for his side.

Wicklow 1-14 Kildare 1-16, Arklow

Andy Comerford's Kildare side maintained their unbeaten record in Division 2A thanks to a hard earned two-point victory over neighbours Wicklow.

Kildare started strongly at Arklow and led by 1-3 to 1-00 at the end of the opening quarter with midfielders Oisin Lynch and Paudie Reidy in outstanding form.

Wicklow responded well with good work from Adrian Shanahan and Jonathan O'Neill to level the contest with three minutes remaining.

But Kildare dug deep as points from Lynch and Adrian McAndrew saw them triumph.

Roscommon 0-09 Kerry 2-11, Athleague

Kerry's hurlers bounced back from three-point interval deficit to record a deserved Division 2A win over Roscommon at Woodmount.

Shane Brick and James McCarthy were among those in superb form for the visitors in the second half as two goals in the third quarter were ultimately the decisive scores.

Ciaran Connaughton and Shane Sweeney were impressive as Roscommon charged into a 0-07 to 0-04 interval lead.

However, the Rossies could not withstand some strong Kerry pressure on the resumption and once the visitors found the back of the net, they looked comfortable.

DIVISION 2B:

London 1-10 Carlow 2-15, Ruislip

Second half goals from James King and Craig Doyle steered Carlow to victory over a plucky London side.

The Barrowsiders kept their bid to reach the Division 2 semi-finals on track at Ruislip, but only just.

London led at half-time thanks to a Sean Quinn major but the visitors, who had drawn with Down and beaten Meath in previous games, hit form to take the match points.

Armagh 2-13 Derry 3-11, Keady

Two late points from Ruairi Convery helped Derry to a one-point Division 2B victory over Armagh in a game which was far from clear-cut at Keady.

Derry led by 2-08 to 1-05 at half-time with Gavin Kelly and Diarmuid Brunton firing home the goals.

Kelly once again hit the net on the restart but Derry were not out of sight.

Armagh'ss Declan Coulter netted in either half and with six minutes remaining the sides were level. However, Convery ensured the win for his side with his late brace.

Meath 0-21 Down 2-17, Pairc Tailteann

The dismissal of James Canty after 25 minutes did little to help Meath's cause as Down ran out winners at Pairc Tailteann, Navan.

Gareth Johnson's return for Down helped their cause. 'Magic' scored 1-04 in the opening half to give his side a 1-10 to 0-10 interval lead.

Meath cut the gap to two points with Niall Hackett (0-10) on song. However Paul Braniff hit the decisive scores for the visitors, including 1-02 midway through the half and the insurance point in injury-time.