Mulroy to the fore as Louth edge Down

Sam Mulroy of Louth in action against John McManus of Roscommon. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Division 2: Louth 2-17 Down 0-22 

What a difference a week makes. Louth’s response to a tough loss last week came with a backs-to-the-wall home win over Down at Integral GAA Ground in Drogheda.

Villain last week, Niall McDonnell in the Louth goal made a key first half save that had a role in their second Division two win of the season.

The net-minder didn't miss a restart target and that denial in the first half halted Down’s dominance with the wind.

Odhran Murdock had a chance to level right at the thrilling end but Ger Brennan’s side hung on for a deserved victory.

Overall Louth, in the new enhancements era, managed the game better at crucial moments and goals in both halves pushed the tie beyond Conor Laverty’s outfit.

The wind factor had a huge input in proceedings, Down did not make full use of it in the opening period and would rue that dearly in the finale.

Down adopted a quick-fire, shoot-on-sight system in that opening half and with the gale at their backs, they sailed over four scores from beyond the arc.

Danny Magill, whose father Micheal manages locally, hit the first one, Daniel Guinness, Pat Havern and Ceilum Doherty all found the range.

However, despite the scores, the policy meant Louth could string attacks together and grow into the game and Sam Mulroy prospered most.

With the Down rearguard overworked, Mulroy cut the gap to two points before halftime. Ironically it was his worst attempt at goal that would prove most influential.

A short effort off his left side, was not dealt with properly by Ronan Burns in the Down goal and it would be his namesake Ryan that would flick the split ball into the net. That kept Louth in touch in a floundering stage of the first period.

The 0-13 to 1-7 gap at half-time proved to be a psychological blow to the Mourne men. Louth came out with the wind literally in their sails and took over the game.

Mulroy duly levelled and with that methodical approach smelt blood and went in for the kill.

The second Louth goal would push the game beyond Down in the third quarter. Kieran McArdle this time nipped ahead of his marker after Ryan Burns' effort was blocked.

That goal gave Louth huge confidence and a lead to defend with wind behind them cutting their opponents' shooting range.

To Down’s credit, they cut the gap to one point on two occasions in the thrilling final quarter. However, Louth had done enough. Burns' two-pointer from long range in that pressure cooker was as clutch as they come, and deserving of victory.

Scorers for Louth: S Mulroy (0-10, 1 tpf, 4f, 1 ‘45), R Burns 1-2, (1 tp), K McArdle 1-0, L Jackson, T Durnin, A McDonnell, C Keenan and D McConnon 0-1 each.

Scorers for Down: P Havern 0-7 (1 2pt) 3f), D Guinness 0-4 (1 tp), DMagill 0-3 (1 tp), Ceilum Doherty(1 tp), Oisín Savage (1f), C McCrickard 0-2 each. C Francis and O Murdock 0-1 each.

Louth: N McDonnell; D Corcoran, D Campbell, D McKenny; D Nally, P Lynch, L Jackson, T Durnin, C Byrne; A McDonnell, C Keenan, C Grimes; K McArdle, S Mulroy, R Burns.

Subs: D McConnon for Keenan (38), P Mathews for McDonnell (50), A Williams for Lynch (55), T Jackson for Byrne (57), L Grey for L Jackson (66)

Down: R Burns; P Fegan, R McEvoy, P McCarthy; P Laverty, D Guinness, M Rooney; P Havern, A McClements; Danny Magill, J Guinness, S Millar; C Doherty, O Murdock, C McCrickard.

Subs: O Savage for Millar (43), A Crimmins for McClements (46), E Branagan for Magill (56), C Francis for J Guinness (58).

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan)