Louth into last four as Mathews insists "We're not focusing on anyone else"

Louth produced a clinical performance to see off Wexford in the Leinster SFC quarter-final at Netwatch Cullen Park on Sunday afternoon. Speaking afterwards, Louth forward Paul Mathews acknowledged the early challenge.

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He said: “We knew Wexford were going to be tough, and they came out of the blocks fast. I think they got four points from the off, and then we just kind of dominated the kick-outs then.

“But we knew it was all about performance. We weren't taking Wexford for granted or anything like that.

“We were putting in a lot of work for the game on their kick-outs, so we knew that was a big part of their game. I think we dealt with that well and that gave us the platform to move forward.”

Response

Wexford made the brighter start, but Louth’s response was measured as their control around kick-outs proved decisive, allowing them to build momentum and dictate the tempo.

"The league took its toll, I suppose. We were unlucky not to get promoted in the end, but I suppose the three-week break, we kind of had a few days off, and then it's just about getting the bodies right.

“We had a few injuries; a few lads came back there as well. So, no, we're happy overall, and we look forward now to two weeks and keep it going.”

Managment

Louth’s improvement as the season has progressed was evident once again, with new management influence and squad depth playing a key role.

“I think we've kind of progressed as the year went on. Gavin (Devlin) and (Peter) Dooley, they brought just a serious kind of knowledge about the game, and I suppose you're just trying to soak that knowledge up, and I think we're showing that now in games.

“You look at the lads that are now, the inside lads (Conall) McCaul and Kiki (Ciaran Keenan), I thought they were exceptional there at the start of the game.

“They really gave us the platform to go forward, and we kind of needed that as well because maybe we weren't all at it, and they were the boys that stepped up at the end of the start of the game.”

Conall McCaul

“Absolutely, I'm delighted for McCaul. He stamped his tourney in the game straight away.

“He got in the last two games of the league, and he's carrying that form now into the Championship, so I'm delighted for him. He's a massive man, a massive asset for us, so yeah, long way to continue for him.”

Two pointers

Late first-half scores proved pivotal in stretching Louth’s advantage and shifting pressure firmly onto Wexford.

“Well, I missed two of them, so I was delighted to see the other lads take their chances anyway. But no, that's massive. The two-pointers are huge in the game now.

“I think Kiki (Ciarán Keenan) got a lovely one and Sam got a lovely one right before half-time, and it's such a massive turning point in the game. It gives you great confidence then, and it puts all the pressure on Wexford.”

Second half

The Wee County maintained their intensity after the restart, with substitutes making an impression.

“We weren't taking Wexford for granted at all, and I suppose in the league, you're going week on week, so you only have a week to prepare.

“But we prepared for three weeks for Wexford. We were putting in a lot of analysis, and it can be tough at times, but I suppose we reaped the rewards there today.

“And yeah, young Tadhg (McDonnell), he's a little flyer, isn't he? He's coming up with scores all over the place, left and right, so I'm delighted for him.

“He was supposed to start, and then someone got the nod in his head, but I suppose that's just credit to him and his attitude towards the game and coming in and stamping his authority straight away.”

Penalty

“I suppose I think it was maybe the last 10 minutes when he put the penalty away, so it was as calmly dispatched as ever from Sam. But that's all it is.

“It's about trying to just keep going and doing the basics right the whole time and not dropping the head even though you're a little bit ahead.

“I suppose it is all about just doing the simple things right and giving the ball to the right man in the right position and just taking the chances when they come.”

Focus

Elsewhere in Leinster, results underlined the unpredictable nature of knockout football.

“I'm not sure of the end result. I heard the cheers. I kind of figured that. Not a bad result either. But look, you're just focusing on yourself. We're not focusing on Meath.

“We're not focusing on anyone else. It's just about ourselves, and we know we have the talent in that dressing room there to compete with anyone in the country.

“It's just about ourselves, really and trying to get the performance out of each individual on every given day. If we do that, I think we're capable of beating anyone.”

Confidence

Matthews reflected positively on his own form while keeping perspective.

“I'm happy enough today. I suppose my father would keep me well-grounded, and he'd point out all the negatives.

“No, look, I'm happy with how I'm going, and I suppose I've got a nice run of games. I've started all the league games. I'm feeling good, and hopefully I can keep it going.”

Semi-final

Attention now turns to the semi-final and the defence of the Delaney Cup.

“Absolutely. We haven't won it for 68 years. Now we're defending the Delaney Cup, and we don't want to let it go. We're not going to let it go easy.

“It is just day by day. I think Dublin are winning at the moment. Look, it's going to be a massive game in two weeks. The Dubs are the Dubs.

“They've serious talent all over the pitch. We're going to have to bring our best game now to them in two weeks' time.”