Louth U20s continue winning ways with win away to Dublin

Louth made it two wins from two in Group One of the Leinster U20 Championship with a hard-earned victory over Dublin at Parnell Park this evening.

The Wee County led from early on with enough to see the game out and secure their place in the semi-finals despite a strong Dublin fightback in the second half.

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Louth settled quickly with the wind advantage in the first half as Seán Flynn opened the scoring before Andrew O’Reilly struck an excellent two-pointer to give the visitors early control.

Fergal Reel's side continued to dictate the play, with scores from Pearse Grimes-Murphy, Adam Gillespie, Shane Lennon and Tadhg Devaney helping them into a four-point lead at the break.

They also impressed defensively, with Michael McGlew producing a crucial block and goalkeeper Tiernan Markey denying a Dublin goal chance with a fine save.

Half time: Dublin 0-3 Louth 0-7

Dublin responded well after half-time with two early points and a Callum O’Dwyer two-point free that brought them level and set up a tight final quarter.

Louth responded at the right time as points from Grimes-Murphy and Conor MacCriosta pushed them back in front before Adam Gillespie converted a penalty after Seán Flynn was fouled.

Substitute Tony McDonnell added two important points, and Gillespie extended the lead with another free.

Louth senior regular Pauric Tinnelly marked his first U20 start of the season with a well-taken goal after good work from Flynn.

Dublin kept pushing and reduced the gap late on with a goal from Donach Magee and a two-pointer from Rian Doherty, but they couldn’t find an equaliser, with Doherty missing a late goal chance.

Louth held on for a deserved win and now look ahead to their final group game against Wexford at home next Wednesday.

Full time: Dublin 1-13 Louth 2-13

Louth: Tiernan Markey; Michael McGlew, Micheal Reid, Daniel Craven; Padraic Tinnelly (1-0), Cormac McKeown (c), Tadhg Devaney (0-2); Colm Hackett, Conor McGinty; Shane Lennon (0-1), Conor MacCriosta (0-1), Pearse Grimes-Murphy (0-2); Adam Gillespie (1-2, 1-0 pen, 2f), Seán Flynn (0-1), Andrew O’Reilly (0-2, 2tp).

Subs: Tony McDonnell (37’) (0-2, 1f), Cillian McQuillan (60’).

Dublin: Cillian Campion; Ciarán O’Connor, Dara O’Sullivan, Jake Donnelly; Ryan Mitchell (0-1), Seán Keogh, Davin Lynch; Finn McGinnis, Alex Carolan; Ryan Ennis, Luke O’Boyle (0-1), Oisín Costello (0-1); Cathal Hickey (0-1), Callum O’Dwyer (0-5), Billy Shouldice.

Subs: Donach Magee (1-2) (HT), Senan Ryan, Rian Doherty (0-2, 1tp), Lenny Cahill, Caoilinn O’Connell, Tristan Donnelly.

Referee: Anthony Nolan (Wicklow).