Louth produced a terrific first-half performance to pick up their first points over All-Ireland B finalists Antrim in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, yesterday.

A point after just 15 seconds from young corner forward JP Rooney set the tone for a flying first-quarter display at the end of which Louth led 1-3 to 0-1, the goal coming from Ollie McDonnell on 19 minutes.

Antrim were disappointing, with veteran Louth defender Stephen Melia winning all the loose ball and their only first-half scores came from three Kevin Madden frees as Louth went in at the break leading 1-8 to 0-3.

The home side maintained their momentum on the restart with Kirwan, Rooney and wing backs Aaron Hoey and Simon Gerard both pointing to help Louth to a 1-14 to 0-3 lead after 48 minutes.

Madden, who scored all but two points of the Antrim total, had his side's first point from play a minute later. Understandably, Louth's performance dropped as they made changes in the final quarter, and they added just one more point, from Martin Farrelly.

LOUTH: C Nally; B Philips, Denis Reilly, Brendan Reilly; A Hoey (0-1), S Melia, S Gerard (0-1), A O'Neill, M Farrelly (0-1), N Malone (0-1), J Holland (0-2), O McDonnell (1-0), D Reilly (0-1), D Kirwan (0-2), JP Rooney (0-6, 4 frees). Subs: D Coleman for J Holland, B Keenan for D Reilly, K Callaghan for O McDonnell, R Rooney for B Reilly.

ANTRIM: S McGreedy; C McKearney , M Mulholland, P McCann; E McLernon, A Finnegan, G Adams; J Barr, E Quinn; K Brady (0-1), J Quinn, O Doherty; R Hamill, D Niblock, K Madden (0-9, 7 frees). Subs: B Elliot for C McKerney, E McKenna for R Hamill, E McKee (0-1) for O Doherty, C Anderson for G Adams.

Referee: P McEneaney (Monaghan).