Louth deny Dublin to bridge 12-year Leinster U20 football final gap

Fergal Reel’s side led by two points at half-time before Luke O’Boyle’s goal levelled matters after the restart.

But Louth’s response was emphatic as they converted five points without reply to effectively secure a famous victory – their first league or championship success against the Dubs, at any level, since 2006.

A fortuitous goal by captain Seán Reynolds ignited Louth’s challenge on 14 minutes. With Dublin leading by 0-4 to two, the Stabannon Parnells clubman launched a high effort that deceived David Leonard and nestled in the back of the net.

Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 24th April

The hosts had started much the brighter with Mark McNally and Clyde Burke combining for five points during the opening period.

Though Louth’s midfield dominance became a telling factor as the first half progressed and with Kieran McArdle reliable from frees, the Wee county pressed ahead in the second quarter and led by 1-6 to 0-7 at the interval.

They stretched the gap to three when the match resumed but Dublin found the back of the net in a rare flowing move, drawing the Sky Blues on terms at 1-7 apiece.

The visitors were determined, however, and the excellent Tadhg McDonnell pointed either side of Cameron Maher, Dara McDonnell and Kieran McArdle raising white flags across a nine-minute spell.

Dublin pressed desperately for a way back into the contest and having narrowed the margin to three, had three efforts for goal repelled – the most spectacular of which involved Louth ’keeper Cian O’Donoghue deflecting away Karl Flynn’s toe-poked attempt.

And Louth sealed the win on the breakaway when McArdle fisted over, bringing his personal haul to 0-6.

Scorers – Dublin: M McNally 0-3; L O’Boyle 1-0; C Burke, P Reynolds-Hand (1f) 0-2 each; J Quigley (1f), K Flynn 0-1 each. Louth: K McArdle (4f) 0-6; S Reynolds 1-0; T McDonnell 0-3; J Maguire (1f), A McGlew, C Maher, D McDonnell 0-1 each.

Dublin: D Leonard; F Bruton, S Kirwan, E Nugent; J Smith, G McEneaney, M Gardiner; C McMorrow, D Murphy; L O’Boyle, P Reynolds-Hand, C Burke; J McCarville, J Quigley, M McNally. Subs: C Duggan for Smith (40), S Ryan for McMorrow (47), Karl Flynn for Jamie McCarville (48), E O’Connor-Flanagan for Reynolds-Hand (55).

Louth: C O’Donoghue; F Tipping, C Maher, K Martin; T McDonnell, C McKeown, J Maguire; D McDonnell, S Callaghan; D Dorian, L Flynn, P Grimes-Murphy; A McGlew, S Reynolds, K McArdle. Subs: R Deery for Tipping (47), D Reilly for Dorian (51), C McGinty for D McDonnell (60).

Referee: David Hickey (Carlow).