Louth aspirations of making the National Hurling League Division 3A play-offs suffered a setback on Sunday when they lost out away to Fermanagh on a 5-13 to 2-12 scoreline.
The Wee County travelled north hoping to get their first points on the board after losing out to Roscommon in their opening fixture, but it was the home side who played better on the day.
Fermanagh had the wind in their backs in the first half and made the advantage count as they fired in three goals to take control of the game.
Louth battled gamely and a goal from Diarmuid Murphy kept them in touch although at the break they trailed by 3-7 to 1-5.
The visitors made a bright start to the second half and a second goal from Murphy helped them get to within three points.
However, just as the Louth confidence was building, a defensive error allowed Fermanagh in for a fourth goal. Dee McCarthy’s side were never able to bridge that gap and in the final seconds the home side sealed victory with a fifth goal.
Louth’s next game is away to Monaghan – a match that will be the curtain-raiser for the National Football League encounter between the two counties.
LOUTH: James Connolly; Conor Kerrigan, Johnny Carter, Andy McCrave 0-1; Ian Kelleher, Brian Carter, Cathal Ryan; Shane Callan 0-1, Jason Condon 0-1; Ronan Byrne 0-1, Gary Rellis, Darren O’Hanrahan; Davy Mahony 0-1, Diarmuid Murphy 2-7, David Kettle. Subs: Rickie McKeown for I Kelleher, David Yore for C Kerrigan, Paul McKeown for B Carter, Shane Maguire for D Kettle, John Matthews for D O’Hanrahan.
