Down defeated London in Ruislip to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Tailteann Cup, while Fermanagh and Antrim also won on Saturday to stay on course for a direct passage to the last 16.
The Mournemen led London by just 0-8 to 0-5 at half-time but dominated the second half and won by 1-24 to 0-10.
With London shocking Offaly last weekend when Down defeated Limerick, Conor Laverty’s side are now guaranteed top of Group 4 regardless of what happens in the final group game against Faithful County.
Antrim withstood a late rally in Wexford to win 1-15 to 0-17 at Wexford Park and set up a Group Two decider against Sligo next weekend.
Fermanagh maintained their 100% record in Group 3 as they battled to a 1-13 to 0-13 victory over Carlow.
If Wicklow beat Laois on Sunday, it would guarantee Fermanagh a place in the quarter-finals as they defeated Oisin McConville’s side last weekend.
However, a win for Laois will see them face the Ernemen next weekend for direct passage to the last 16.
Murdock scores penalty for down
Daniel Guinness, all on, and Pat Havern scored 0-3 in the first half at Ruislip as the Mournemen went 0-8 to 0-5 ahead at half-time.
However, Down outscored the Exiles by 1-6 to 0-1 in the 15 minutes after the restart, with Odhran Murdock scoring the goal from the penalty spot in the 50th minute.
Guinness and Havern continued to score freely, with Miceal Rooney also contributing a number of good playing efforts.
Even defeat to Offaly next weekend won’t stop Down from topping Group 4, as they would surpass either London or Limerick head-to-head.
Ruairi McCann’s third-minute goal helped Antrim lead 1-8 to 0-7 at half-time at Wexford Park, with Ryan McQuillan and Joseph Finnegan also among the Saffrons’ scorers.
Wexford reduced Antrim’s lead to 1-10 to 0-12 after 49 minutes and while goals from Patrick McAleer, goalkeeper Michael Byrne and McQuillan increased the Saffrons’ lead to four once again, they had to endure a nervy finish as the home team reduced the margin to a single point.
McQuillan finished 0-6, with McAleer contributing 0-3 for the Saffrons, who finished with 14 men after Conor Hand’s injury-time black card.
Carlow gave Fermanagh a tough game at Netwatch Cullen Park as the Ernemen needed a goal from Conor McShea just before half-time to go 1-4 to 0-6 up at half-time.
Josh Largo Ellis scored two points in the third quarter after his move to the half-forward line, with Fermanagh leading by three after 50 minutes.
An excellent scorer from the impressive Jonathan Cassidy and two late points from substitute Conor Love helped the Ernemen stay ahead, with Ultan Kelm’s two second-half goals also crucial for Kieran Donnelly’s side.
