Kieran McArdle of Louth celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Down at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile.
Allianz Football League Division 2
LOUTH 2-17 (2-2-13) DOWN 0-22 (0-4-14)
By Dan Bannon in Drogheda
Louth responded to a tough loss last week with a crucial home win over Down in Drogheda to pick up their second Allianz Division two win this season.
Down’s Odhran Murdock had a chance to level right at the death but Louth hung on thanks to excellent defending by Leonard Grey.
The defender stood Murdock up and the home faithful gladly exhaled in unison as the shot sailed wide.
Louth managed the game better at crucial moments and goals in either halves pushed the tie beyond Conor Laverty’s side.
The wind had a huge say in proceedings, Down did not make full use of it in the opening period and would rue that dearly in the finale.
As quick as a flash, Ryan Burns punched home a dropping ball from namesake Ronan Burns in the Down goal. That allowed the hosts, who were struggling to get the scoreboard ticking to critically stay in touch.
Conor Laverty’s side adopted a shoot on sight system in the first half and, with the gale at their backs, they sailed over four scores from beyond the arc.
However, that policy meant Louth could string attacks together and grow into the game and through Sam Mulroy they duly did so. Mulroy is really on song this season and he cut the gap to two points before halftime.
That gap proved to be a psychological blow to the Mourne men at half time. Louth came out with the wind literally in their sails and took over the game.
Their second goal pushed the game beyond Down in the third quarter as poachers instinct saw youngster Kieran McArdle pounce for his first goal in red.
That built a four point lead up for the hosts and despite Down cutting the gap to one point on two occasions in the thrilling final quarter, Louth withstood the pressure and got themselves out of trouble when needed.
The enhancements are a factor, and Ryan Burns' two pointer was magnificent and timely. Substitutes Oisin Savage and Conor Francis pointed before the game's final play.
Down could not convert and found themselves looking down the table while Louth are now looking up.
Scorers for Louth: Sam Mulroy (0-10, 1 2pf, 4f, 1 ‘45), Ryan Burns 1-2, (1 2pt), Kieran McArdle 1-0, Liam Jackson 0-1, Tommy Durnin 0-1, Andy McDonnell 0-1, Ciaran Keenan 0-1, Daire McConnon 0-1.
Scorers for Down: Pat Havern 0-7 (1 2pt) 3f), Daniel Guinness 0-4 (1 2pt), Danny Magill 0-3 (1 2pt), Ceilum Doherty 0-2 (1 2pt), Conor McCrickard 0-2. Oisín Savage 0-2 (1f), Conor Francis 0-1, Odhran Murdock 0-1,
Louth: Niall McDonnell; Dan Corcoran, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Daire Nally, Peter Lynch, Liam Jackson, Tommy Durnin, Ciaran Byrne; Andy McDonnell, Ciaran Keenan, Conor Grimes; Kieran McArdle, Sam Mulroy, Ryan Burns. Subs: Daire McConnon for Keenan (38), Paul Mathews for McDonnell (50), Anthony Williams for Lynch (55), Tom Jackson for Byrne (57), Leonard Grey for L Jackson (66)
Down: Ronan Burns; Peter Fegan, Ryan McEvoy, Paddy McCarthy; Pierce Laverty, Daniel Guinness, Miceal Rooney; Pat Havern, Aaron McClements; Danny Magill, James Guinness, Shay Millar; Ceilum Doherty, Odhran Murdock, Conor McCrickard. Subs: Subs: Oisín Savage for Millar (43), Adam Crimmins for McClements (46), Eugene Branagan for Magill (56), Conor Francis (0-01) for J Guinness (58).
Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan)
