Conor McCarthy, Monaghan, and Liam Jackson, Louth, in Allianz Football League action. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Allianz Football League Division Two
Monaghan 1-27 (1-5-17) Louth 1-21 (1-4-13)
By Dan Bannon at Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda
Monaghan’s blistering first half would be enough to hold off a spirited Louth fightback and go back joint top of the Allianz Football League Division Two table.
With Roscommon winning the night previous, Monaghan didn’t let that pressure get to them as they raced to a 17 point lead in the first half.
Despite the gap, Louth turned the local derby into a game of two halves. When Sam Mulroy netted a penalty with two minutes of normal remaining, Louth had closed the margin to three points.
However, with the home crowd roaring the hosts on, that is where thoughts of salvaging something from the rollercoaster match ended.
Rory Beggan punished a Louth error with a two pointer after Louth left only two up in the chaotic final chase.
Despite the 14 yard free on offer, Beggan brought it beyond the arc to drill over.
His side were really under the cosh and having just seen a penalty go past him Beggan’s class silenced the partisan crowd.
With Louth still chasing, Monaghan’s other key cog, Conor McCarthy split the posts and clinched his fist in doing, they had got themselves out of a huge battle and the Scotstown man knew it.
Monaghan raced into a huge lead through McCarthy’s excellence in open play and swirling two pointer that set the tone along with four first half points from late addition Andrew Woods.
The Farney shooting will have pleased their coach Andy Moran, as they only hit one wide in the entire first half to lead 1-19 to 0-7. Despite not looking likely at the time, Louth would rue their stunned first half showing.
As part of a four man substitution, Paul Mathews had the most impact, the St. Fechin’s midfielder hit four points in the third quarter that made Louth believe.
When Louth captain Mulroy rattled off seven points in a row with three two point free’s the unlikeliest of comebacks was well and truly on.
Yet, the brilliance of the Monaghan duo and a wonderful goal line clearance from Dylan Byrne would see the Farney hold firm.
Scorers for Monaghan: Conor McCarthy 1-4 (1 2pt), Rory Beggan 0-5 (2 2ptf, 1 '45), Stephen O’Hanlon 0-4 (1tp), Andrew Woods 0-4, Micheál Bannigan 0-3 (1m), Jack McCarron 0-2, (1f), Kieran Duffy 0-2 (2pt), David Garland, Ryan Wylie and Ciarán McNulty 0-1 each.
Scorers for Louth: Sam Mulroy 1-12 (1-0pen, 5fs, 3tpf, 1 45) , Paul Mathews 0-4 (1 tp), Tommy Durnin, Conall McKeever, Conor Grimes, Daire McConnon and Ryan Burns 0-1 each.
Monaghan: Rory Beggan; Ryan Wylie, Killian Lavelle, Dylan Byrne; Kieran Duffy, Ryan O’Toole, Conor McCarthy; Mícheál McCarville, Gavin McPhillips; Stephan O’Hanlon, Micheál Bannigan, Ciarán McNulty; Andrew Woods, Jack McCarron, David Garland.
Subs: Bobby McCaul for McPhillips (44), Jason Irwin for McNulty (55), Gary Mohan for Garland (60), Darren Hughes for Irwin blood (65-68) Hughes for McCarville (68), Stephen Mooney for McCarron (71).
Louth: Niall McDonnell; Daire Nally, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Leonard Grey, Peter Lynch, Liam Jackson, Tommy Durnin, Ciaran Byrne; Conall McKeever, Sam Mulroy, Conor Grimes; Daire McConnon, Kieran McArdle, Ryan Burns.
Subs: Paul Mathews for Byrne (30), Tadhg McDonnell for L Jackson (30), Pearse Grimes Murphy for McConnon (30), Sean Reynolds for McArdle (30), Tom Jackson for Grimes Murphy (68).
Referee: Seamus Mulhare (Laois).
