Louth hurlers cruise past Lancs to continue unbeaten run

Trevor Hilliard’s side were in control from start to finish as they showcased their attacking strength and defensive resilience to keep their unbeaten run intact in Division 4 of the Allianz National Hurling League.

Having drawn with Leitrim last time out, the Reds wasted no time getting back to winning ways as Leon Fox opened the scoring inside the first minute, and the Wee County took control.

Peter Fortune was a standout performer in the opening half as he orchestrated play from midfield and contributed several fine scores.

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Thomas McCreesh, Darren Geoghegan, and Conor Murphy also kept the scoreboard ticking over as Louth surged into a ten point lead at the break.

Lancashire’s only goal of the first half came in the 38th minute when Peter Boylan capitalised on a defensive lapse. 

Half time: Lancashire 1-5 Louth 0-18

The second half followed much the same pattern, with Louth dictating play and extending their lead. 

Darren Geoghegan was clinical from placed balls, while David Stephenson and Mark Gahan added to the tally with well-taken scores.

(Allianz National Hurling League, Division 4, Round 5 table)

Lancs did manage a second goal through Padraic Burke, but it was little more than a consolation as the Wee County responded emphatically and finished the game with a total of 30 points to secure an impressive victory.

Louth will be delighted with this performance as they continue their push for promotion. 

With only one league game left to play, they remain in control of their fate at the top of the Division 4 table as they prepare to keep their unbeaten run intact when they host Longford next week.

Lancashire scorers: Padraic Burke (1-4, 4f), Peter Boylan (1-0), Conor Livingstone (0-2), Darren McNamara (0-1), Shane O’Boyle (0-1), Eoghan Clifford (0-1), Ethan Costello (0-1).

Louth scorers: Darren Geoghegan 0-9 (5f); Conor Murphy (0-6), Thomas McCreesh (0-4), Peter Fortune (0-4), Mark Gahan (0-2), David Stephenson (0-2), Leon Fox (0-2), Sean Flynn (0-1).

Lancashire: James Doyle; Christy Dickson, Andrew Morgan, Conor McCormack; Shane Nugent, Eoghan Clifford (c), Andrew Shanahan; Jamie McFadyen, Darren McNamara; Tiernan McKavanagh, Chrissy Convery, Shane O’Boyle; Peter Boylan, Padraic Burke, Conor Livingstone.

Subs: Brian Slattery on for Christy Dickinson (45’), Ethan Costello on for Chrissy Convery (55’), Patrick Dwane on for Peter Boylan (55’), Jimmy Treacy on for Jamie McFadyen (62’), Fearghal McKillop on for Conor McCormack (62’).

Louth: Conor Clancy (c); Thomas McCreesh, Conor Quigley, Stephen Kettle; Mark Gahan, Leon Fox, Aaron McGuinness; Ben Goss-Kieran, Peter Fortune; Sean Hodgins, Sean Flynn, Darren Geoghegan; John Casey, Conor Murphy, James Costello.

Subs: Kyle Rafferty on for Leon Fox (5’) temp, Sam Phelan on for Peter Fortune (38’) David Stephenson on for James Costello (45’), Ricky McKeown on for Mark Gahan (60’), Kyle Rafferty on for Thomas McCreesh (63’), James Costello on for Sean Hodgins (63’).

Referee: Conor Doyle (Tipperary).