Louth lose to Royals by the minimum

Louth fell to a one-point defeat against Meath in an entertaining Allianz National Football League Division Two clash at Croke Park this evening.

In a game that had everything, including early drama, a missed penalty and a late turnaround, it was Jack Flynn’s two-pointer at the death that ultimately proved decisive.

READ NEXT: Stephanie Zambra visits Dundalk FC women's teams

The match got off to a bizarre start with referee Brendan Griffin issuing four black cards following a scuffle inside 10 seconds.

Brian O’Halloran and Seán Rafferty were temporarily dismissed for Meath, as were Louth’s Sam Mulroy and Ciarán Downey.

Meath made the brighter start when play settled as Jack Flynn opened the scoring before Jordan Morris and captain Eoghan Frayne pushed the Royals three clear inside five minutes.

The Wee County responded through Craig Lennon and Paul Mathews, but Meath were sharp in attack.

Ruairí Kinsella struck a two-pointer and later capitalised on a Louth error to fire to the net on 23 minutes to give Meath real momentum.

Further two-point scores from Matthew Costello and Morris extended the advantage, while Aaron Lynch also chipped in as the Royals moved into a commanding lead.

Louth were handed a lifeline just before half-time when Ciarán Downey won a penalty, but captain Sam Mulroy’s effort was saved by Seán Brennan. Meath led by 11 points at the halftime break, and Louth had it all to do in the second half.

Half time: Meath 1-15 Louth 0-7

To their credit, Louth improved significantly in the second half as Mulroy led the charge with a series of two-point frees to steadily reduce the gap.

Ciarán Downey, Tadhg McDonnell and Craig Lennon also added important scores as the Leinster champions found their rhythm.

Louth had drawn level by the closing stages and then edged in front thanks to two late Lennon points. It completed an impressive comeback from 11 points down.

However, Meath had the final say as Flynn stepped forward with time almost up to land a crucial two-pointer to restore the Royals’ lead. The visitors pushed for a late equaliser, but Meath held out to secure the win and the two league points.

Meath remain unbeaten in Division Two, while Louth must regroup ahead of next weekend’s meeting with Tyrone in DEFY Páirc Mhuire, Ardee.

Full time: Meath 1-20 Louth 0-22.

Meath: Seán Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey, Ciarán Caulfield; Bryan Menton (0-1), Jack Flynn (0-3, 1tp); Cian McBride, Ruairí Kinsella (1-3, 1tp), Matthew Costello (0-3, 1tp); Jordan Morris (0-6, 1tp, 0-1f), Aaron Lynch (0-2), Eoghan Frayne (c) (0-1, 1f).

Subs: Conor Duke on for Mathew Costello (HT), Jack O'Connor (0-1) on for Aaron Lynch (49'), Adam O'Neill on for Bryan Menton (55'), Killian Smyth on for Donal Keogan (64').

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Padraic Tinnelly, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Tadhg McDonnell (0-2), Peter Lynch, Craig Lennon (0-4); Dara McDonnell (0-1), Conor Early; Paul Mathews (0-3, 1tp), Sam Mulroy (c) (0-9, 4tpf, 0-1f), Conor Grimes; Emmet Carolan, Ciarán Downey (0-2), Ryan Burns.

Subs: Conall McKeever on for Peter Lynch (32'), Kieran McArdle on for Dara McDonnell (HT), Ciarán Keenan (0-1) on for Ryan Burns (48'), Conall McKeever on for Conor Grimes (48'), Daire Nally on for Tadhg McDonnell (63').

Referee: Brendan Griffin (Kerry).