It was heartbreak for Offaly's footballers for the second time in less than a week as a resurgent Louth side caused the biggest upset so far in the All-Ireland qualifiers and sent the favourites tumbling out.

In repeating last year's National League Division Two final victory over Offaly, Paddy Clarke's men were clearly the better side, but with wayward shooting which yielded a total of 14 wides, they made the task more difficult for themselves.

Over the last few years Louth have contrived to lose a few championship games against some of the top counties in Leinster which they should have won. They looked likely to again shoot themselves in the foot when they allowed substitute Donie Ryan run on to a pass from Vinny Claffey to fire the only goal after 55 minutes.

That edged Offaly in front, 17 to 0-9, for the first time since the early stages, but curiously it was their more fired-up opponents who took most inspiration from the score as they replied with three points.

David Reilly had the sides level for only the second time with a terrific shot from the right wing and then Louth were back in front when Colin Kelly slotted over his third free from in front of the posts after Martin Farrelly was fouled.

Two of Louth's longest-serving players, Kelly and Seamus O'Hanlon, both played notable parts in the win with the latter putting in a storming display at midfield and atoning for a few earlier misses by sending over his side's last point.

There was further drama to come. After Barney O'Brien reduced the deficit, Offaly got a great chance of sending the tie to extra-time. However, Vinny Claffey, so often the hero, was the villain on this occasion as he sent an easy looking free from the left wide.

Offaly were obviously feeling the effects of the hard game against Dublin and they were never allowed to control the exchanges. With Christy Grimes, Cathal O'Hanlon and Ollie McDonnell proving their worth up front, Louth should have been ahead by more than 0-6 to 0-4 at the break.

It took Offaly 36 minutes of the first half to register a score from play and with Claffey and Roy Malone both well held in the full forward line, they were fighting a losing battle.