Early goal spree puts Louth on high road

A terrific first-half display at the end of which they led 3-8 to 0-7 set Louth on course for promotion.

A terrific first-half display at the end of which they led 3-8 to 0-7 set Louth on course for promotion.

The home side played terrific football in the first half and got off to a great start with a goal from centre forward Nicky Malone in the first minute.

Some excellent point-taking from Peter McGinnity, Martin Farrelly and Christy Grimes, and a carboncopy goal from Malone after 23 minutes put them in control, and a third goal three minutes short of the break by David Reilly sealed the visitors' fate.

LOUTH: C Nally; B Phillips, S Melia, B Reilly; P McGinnity (0-1), A Hoey (0-1), S Gerrard; A O'Neill, M Farrelly (0-2); C Grimes (0-2, one free), N Malone (2-1), O McDonnell; D Reilly (1- 1), D Kirwan (0-1), JP Rooney (0-4, three frees). Subs: P McGuigan (0-1) for C Grimes; A Page for B Phillips; M Stanfield for D Kirwan; J McGrane for P McGinnity.

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WESTMEATH: A Lennon; P Rouse, D Brady, F Murray; K McKinley, R Casey, M Murtagh; R O'Connell (0-1), D Gavin (0-2, one 45); A Corcoran, J Cooney (0-1), J Coroon; J Fallon (0-1, one free), P Conway, (0-1), C Keane (0-6, five frees). Subs: S Colleary for A Corcoran; M Broder for K McKinley; T Cleary (0-1) for J Fallon.

Referee: C Broderick (Down).