Corkman proves instrumental in London win

London 3-18 Louth 2-14

Cork native Martin Finn was in outstanding form for London as the visitors claimed a seven-point win over Louth at Dundalk this afternoon.

Finn's brace of goals - one in either half - proved to be the real difference in this high-scoring encounter.

Despite London's impressive victory, the hosts started brighter with Shane Callan and Diarmuid Murphy performing strongly.

Louth held a 0-7 to 0-4 advantage at the 21-minute mark.

However, Louth's joy was short-lived when a minute later Finn bagged the first of his goals from a 20-metre free to equalise.

Louth failed to give up and tagged on two more points, but a trio of Finn scores gave London a 1-8 to 0-9 interval advantage.

London broke four points clear on the restart but Louth bagged a brace of goals inside a minute, with David Kettle and Ronan Byrne on target as Pat Clancy's side moved 2-11 to 1-11 ahead.

But London responded well as Mark Mythen netted to level the tie at 2-13 apiece in the 59th minute.

Louth were unable to keep up with London's accuracy in the closing stages and were held to just one point as Finn completed the Exiles' hat-trick with a well-taken goal.