Louth outclass Derry to keep NFL promotion dream alive

Louth senior footballers produced one of their most complete displays of the Allianz National Football League campaign to defeat Division Two leaders Derry by four points in front of a sold-out crowd at DEFY Páirc Mhuire, Ardee, this afternoon.

The Wee County played with a strong wind advantage in the first half of this penultimate league game, and their last home outing of the competition had the feeling of a big occasion from the start.

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Louth manager, Gavin Devlin, made one change to the starting side, which he named early in the week, with James Maguire replacing Conor Grimes.

The home side settled quickly, though their first effort drifted wide inside 30 seconds, while Derry also missed their opening chance before Dara McDonnell landed a superb two-pointer off his left foot to open the scoring after good work by Conall McKeever.

Conor Glass opened Derry's account before Kieran McArdle was fouled for a penalty, which captain Sam Mulroy, coolly dispatched, sending 'keeper Shane McGuckin the wrong way.

Derry responded through Niall Loughlin, but the Reds continued to play with plenty of confidence and authority. 

Defender Emmet Carolan produced a goal-line clearance before Paul Mathews struck a fine two-pointer, followed by scores from Conall McCaul and McKeever as the home side stretched their advantage.

All-Star Mulroy brought the crowd to their feet when he sliced over a magnificent two-pointer from the outside of his boot to leave seven points between the sides at the halftime break.

Half time: Louth 1-8 Derry 0-4

Derry started the second half strongly with the wind at their backs as Loughlin and Ethan Doherty cut the lead to reduce the game further.

Substitute Tadhg McDonnell made an immediate impact, striking a brilliant point from just inside the arc moments after coming on, before McArdle and Mulroy added further scores to keep the home side in control.

The Oak Leafers threatened to turn the game when they were awarded a penalty on the hour mark after Shane McGuigan was adjudged to have been fouled, but Niall McDonnell produced a top-class save to his right to deny the Derry man.

Louth pushed on again with scores from McDonnell, Mulroy, and McArdle, with Derry landing late two-pointers through Matthew Downey, Paul Cassidy, and Conor Glass to keep the contest alive in the closing minutes.

However, a calm finish from the home side, including a fine point from substitute Seán Reynolds, ensured Devlin's men held their nerve to close out an impressive victory and important two points on the table.

It was a complete team performance from Louth, with Niall McDonnell outstanding in goal, the defence solid throughout, and Mulroy leading the attack superbly.

The collective team performance will give the Wee County plenty of encouragement going into the final round game against Kildare at Newbridge next weekend.

Full time: Louth 1-19 Derry 0-18

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Emmet Carolan, Dermot Campbell, Daire Nally; Conall McKeever (0-1), Dara McDonnell (0-3, 1tp), Eoghan Callaghan; Tommy Durnin, Conor Early; Paul Mathews (0-2, 1tp), Sam Mulroy (c) (1-6, 1-0pen, 1f, 1tp), James Maguire, Ciarán Keenan, Conall McCaul (0-1), Kieran McArdle (0-2).

Subs: Tadhg McDonnell (0-3, 1tp) on for James Maguire (43'), Donal McKenny on for Eoghan Callaghan (58'), Seán Callaghan on for Tommy Durnin (62'), Conor Branigan on for Dara McDonnell (63'), Seán Reynolds (0-1) on for Conall McCaul (65').

Derry: Shea McGuckin; Diarmuid Baker, Ruairí Forbes, Shea Downey; Conor Doherty, Gareth McKinless, Padraig McGrogan; Conor Glass (0-3, 1tp), Brendan Rogers (0-1); Ethan Doherty (0-1), Dan Higgins, Paul Cassidy (0-2, 1tp); Niall Loughlin (0-7, 1f, 1tpf), Shane McGuigan, Lachlan Murray (0-1).

Subs: Niall Toner on for Shea Downey (47'), Matthew Downey (0-2, 1tp) on for Dan Higgins (52'), Eoin McEvoy (0-1) on for Ruairí Forbes (57'), Seán Young on for Ethan Doherty (63').

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).