Louth remain unbeaten in Leinster MFC with win over Laois

Louth kept their unbeaten start intact in the Leinster GAA Electric Ireland Minor Football Championship with a deserved win over Laois at Hunterstown Rovers this evening.

The sides were level at half-time after a competitive opening period where the Wee County created the better chances but failed to fully capitalise.

READ NEXT: Inside Track: Louth defender Murray won a championship medal as a forward

Laois opened the scoring through Cian Murphy, but the home side settled quickly with Rian McDonnell and a Connell Kelly free, putting them ahead.

The hosts looked the more dangerous side, with Cillian Duff and Conor Marron both going close, but Laois stayed in touch through a mix of patient play and accurate kicking, including a two-point free from Fionnan Brennan.

Points were traded throughout the half, and despite the Reds enjoying more attacking opportunities, wides and missed goal chances meant they couldn’t build a lead. A late exchange left it all square at the break.

Half time: Louth 0-8 Laois 0-8

Louth made the decisive move early in the second half.

After a goal-line save denied McDonnell, Kelly pushed Louth back in front and followed it with an excellent individual point after a long run. Pauric Maguire then added a two-pointer from play to stretch the lead to four.

Laois responded with another Brennan two-point free, but they struggled to create clear openings from play. 

At the other end, Louth were more efficient. Points from Joseph Lynch and Brian O’Neill extended the gap, while Anthony Traynor saw a goal effort diverted over the bar.

Further scores from Kelly and Marron pushed Louth clear entering the final stages, and the home side controlled the closing minutes comfortably. Kelly added two late points to cap a strong personal display.

In the end, Louth’s second-half scoring and better use of possession proved the difference as they pulled away from a Laois side that had competed well for long periods.

Louth now face Kildare next with a chance to top the group, while Laois will take on Meath in their final outing.

Full time: Louth 0-19 Laois 0-11

Louth: Aaron O'Donoghue; Matthew Keirans, Jack Ruane, Oliver Walsh; Finn McEneaney, Calvin Winters, Conor Marron (0-2); Mark Smith, Tadhg McDonnell; Pauric Maguire (0-3, 1tp, 1f), Connell Kelly (0-8, 4f, 1 '45), Joseph Lynch (0-1), Brian O’Neill (0-1), Cillian Duff (0-1), Rian McDonnell (0-2).

Subs: Anthony Traynor (0-1) on for Jack Ruane (23’), Ronan Duggan on for Calvin Winters (47’), Cillian McDonnell on for Rian McDonnell (59’).

Laois: Mark Dowling; Dan Downey, Cillian Hoey, Darragh Brennan; Will Craig, Fionnan Brennan (0-4, 2 tpf), Will McGrath; Oisin Gilligan, Cian Murphy (0-1); Tom Lawlor (0-2), Eoghan Harris, David Timmons (0-2); Sean Maree, Aaron Mackey, Ethan Neilon (0-1).

Subs: Mikey Regan on for David Timmons (55’), Orran Langton on for Tom Lawlor (55’), Mikey Hand on for Ethan Neilon (59’), Senan O’Brien on for Sean Maree (59’) (0-1), Finn Darcy (59’).

Referee: Patrick Coyle (Meath).