14-man Louth edge home

Louth put up a spirited display to beat Longford in last night’s Leinster U21FC quarter-final at Haggardstown.

Down to 14-men after losing midfielder, Eoin O’Connor, in the first half, the home side went in at the break leading by just one point, 1-2 to 0-4. But making light of their handicap, they turned in a brilliant third quarter, goals from Shane O’Hanlon and William Woods helping to stretch the lead to 10 points.

Longford rallied late on, and scoring 1-5 without replay were searching for another goal when referee, Ronald Malone brought a hugely exciting game to a close.

Scorers for Louth: W Woods 2-1, S O’Hanlon 1-0, B Rogan 0-2, E O’Connor, R Moore, B Hamilton 0-1 each.

Scorers for Longford: R Smith 1-2, M Hughes 0-3, P McCormack 0-2, D Mimnigh, J McGivney, C Clarke 0-1 each.

LOUTH: J Flanagan; C Murray, D Campbell, T Hand; M Neary, P Reilly, C McEvoy; E O’Connor, S O’Hanlon; R Moore, C Bellew, P Kirwan; B Rogan, W Woods, B Berrill. Subs: B Hamilton for Berrill; A Williams for McEvoy; S McMahon for Hand; E O’Neill for Kirwan; S Reidy for Rogan.

LONGFORD: P Collum; R Keogh, B O’Farrell, S Flynn; D Bennett, M Mulvey, D Cooney; R McCormack, J Keegan; D Farrelly, B McKeon, J McGivney; D Mimnigh, R Smyth, M Hughes.

Subs: J Kelly for Bennett; C Clarke for Kelly.

Referee: R Malone (Dublin).