Louth end National Football League campaign with deserved victory

Kieran McArdle's goal proved decisive as Louth finished their Allianz National Football League Division Two campaign with a well-deserved three-point victory over Kildare at Cedral St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge this afternoon.

The Wee County arrived in Newbridge chasing a fourth league win in a row despite the absence of several key players through injury, including Craig Lennon, Ryan Burns, Padraic Tinnelly, Conor Grimes, Peter Lynch, Liam Jackson, Donal McKenny and Ciarán Downey.

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Gavin Devlin's side made a steady start after Alex Beirne opened the scoring for Kildare inside three minutes.

Paul Mathews quickly replied with a fine effort from distance, and although the hosts edged ahead again, the visitors began to settle despite an early blow when Eoghan Callaghan was forced off injured, followed soon after by Dermot Campbell.

Louth responded well to the disruption as Mathews landed a superb two-pointer to cut the gap before Conall McCaul levelled with a long-range effort.

Substitute Tadhg McDonnell made an immediate impact with a sweet two-pointer to put Louth in front for the first time, and from there the Reds began to take control.

Ciarán Keenan was a constant threat close to goal, twice fisting over from short range, while Conor Early and captain Sam Mulroy added excellent points from distance.

Mulroy’s accuracy from placed balls was crucial, the All-Star landing a superb two-point free before adding another from play as Louth built a commanding lead.

By half-time, the Wee County held a fully deserved lead after a strong second quarter in which Conall McKeever and Dara McDonnell drove the side forward repeatedly from defence.

Half time: Kildare 0-10 Louth 0-17.

Kildare came out with greater urgency after the restart and quickly reduced the deficit through Beirne, Tommy Gill and Jack Robinson, while Brian McLoughlin’s two-point free brought the Lilywhites right back into contention.

Each time the home side threatened, Louth found a response as Dara McDonnell steadied matters with an excellent score, before Mulroy stroked over another free, and McCaul added from close range.

Louth found the net through Kieran McArdle after a flowing move involving McKeever and Conor Early slipped a ball inside to the St Brides clubman, who kept his composure to drive low to the bottom corner.

Kildare refused to go away and struck back with a series of late scores from Beirne, Robinson and Eoin Cully to leave the minimum between the sides entering the closing stages, but further points from Conall McCaul and Keenan helped the visitors keep their noses in front.

Brian McLoughlin’s late free brought Kildare to within three points, but the earlier goal ensured Louth held on for a deserved victory.

The result sees Louth finish third in Division Two on ten points, just short of the promotion places, while Kildare’s relegation to Division Three is confirmed.

Louth's attention now turns to the Leinster Championship as they aim to defend their provincial title.

Full time: Kildare 0-25 Louth 1-25.

Kildare: Cian Burke; Harry O’Neill, Padraic Spillane, Ryan Burke; Tommy Gill (0-2), Brian Byrne, Ben McCormack; Eoin Lawler, Brian McLoughlin (0-7, 2tpf); Darragh Kirwan, Alex Beirne (0-6, 2f), Colm Dalton (0-1); Colm Moran (0-1), Callum Bolton, Ben Loakman (0-2).

Subs: Mark Dempsey on for Harry O’Neill (23), Darragh Ryan for Ben McCormack (26), Jack Robinson (0-5) on for Cian Moran (HT), Eoin Cully (0-1) on for Tommy Gill (51'), Brendan Gibbons on for Colm Dalton (56').

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Emmett Carolan, Dermot Campbell, Daire Nally; Conall McKeever, Dara McDonnell (0-2), Eoghan Callaghan; Tommy Durnin, Conor Early (0-1); Paul Mathews (0-3, 1tp), Sam Mulroy (c) (0-8, 2tp, 1tpf), James Maguire, Ciarán Keenan (0-4), Conall McCaul (0-3), Kieran McArdle (1-1).

Subs: Tadhg McDonnell (0-2, 1tp) on for Eoghan Callaghan (3'), Leonard Grey on for Dermot Campbell (9'), Conor Branigan on for Maguire (43'), Seán Callaghan (0-1) on for Tommy Durnin (47'), Seán Reynolds on for Kieran McArdle (69').

Referee: Patrick Neilan (Roscommon).