Derry promotion hopes hit after defeat by Louth
Louth skipper Sam Mulroy was in top form against Derry
- Published
Derry's bid for a return to Division One was dealt a blow by Louth as the Ardee hosts ran out 1-19 to 0-18 winners on Saturday afternoon.
The Oak Leafers remain top of Division Two but only on scoring difference with Cork, Meath and now Louth also on eight points.
Dara McDonnell's two-pointer set Louth on their way and when Sam Mulroy netted a 12th-minute penalty - awarded for a foul on Kieran McArdle - the gap was four.
Derry forward Niall Laughlin popped over the first of his seven points before wind-assisted Louth scored six of the final eight points in the first half, including two-pointers from Paul Matthew and the outstanding Mulroy.
The Ulster side were first on the scoreboard on the restart thanks to a Loughlin point and hopes of a comeback were on with the wind now at their backs.
A Loughlin two-pointer helped Derry reduce the deficit to four points but Louth quickly halted their momentum.
They reeled off three points without reply and keeper Niall McDonnell made two vital saves to deny Derry.
Derry again clawed their way back and they had the chance to make it a two-point game on 62 minutes when the referee pointed to the spot for a barge on Shane McGuigan.
However, McGuigan dusted himself down before firing straight at man-of-the-match McDonnell.
Louth eased through for a comfortable victory to boost their own promotion chances while Derry must regroup before their final game against Cavan next weekend.
