Brian Carroll cracked over 11 points to lead Offaly to their first NHL Division 1A win - a 1-18 to 1-14 beating of hosts Down at Ballycran.
The Coolderry forward was on top form as, having hit 13 points in last week's draw with Cork, his accuracy saw the Faithfuls fend off a late charge from Down, who reduced the gap to one with six minutes remaining.
Down manager John Crossey was forced to reshuffle his starting line-up before the throw-in as full-back Stephen Murray walked off the team in controversial fashion.
Murray refused to play due to the presence of Simon Wilson, who has yet to train with the Down panel this season, on the team. Ciaran Courtney was drafted in to start.
Down duo Martin Coulter and Paul Braniff hit the final two points for the first half to cut the gap to 0-07 to 0-09. Three successive points off the hurls of Carroll, Joe Bergin and Brendan Egan had pushed Offaly into a 0-09 to 0-05 lead on the half-hour.
Former minor forward Bergin also missed a gilt-edged chance to fire in Offaly's first goal late in the opening half. Bergin found himself in plenty of space, but he was hooked by Denis Coffey when through on goal.
Offaly opened brightly in the second half when Gary Hanniffy flashed in a superb goal. Minutes later, Braniff sparked a Down comeback when he netted from a 25-metre free, but the Faithfuls held firm for the two points.
The talismanic Carroll hit five second half points, and all his powers will be needed when Offaly entertain Wexford next on March 11.
