LOUTH manager Ger Brennan hailed keeper Niall McDonnell after their nail-biting win in Drogheda.
A couple of howlers by McDonnell cost Louth against Cavan last week but he more than made amends.
Brennan said: “Credit to Niall, he really stood up. Some wonderful saves, wonderful play when he came out the field and kickouts as well.
“He worked hard to cut out the mistakes from last week. That’s the strength of the man, he didn’t shy away from it.”
McDonnell’s save from Conor McCrickard and a poacher’s goal from Ryan Burns took the wind out of Down’s sails.
It kept Louth within two points at the break and boss Conor Laverty said: “We needed more of a cushion as the breeze was significant.”
Points from Sam Mulroy and Kieran McArdle’s goal saw Louth edge it.
LOUTH: N McDonnell; D Corcoran, D Campbell, D McKenny; D Nally, P Lynch, L Jackson 0-1, T Durnin 0-1, C Byrne; A McDonnell 0-1, C Keenan 0-1, C Grimes; K McArdle 1-0, S Mulroy 0-10, 4f, 1tpf, 1 45, R Burns 1-2, 1tp. Subs: D McConnon 0-1 for Keenan 38 mins; P Mathews for McDonnell 50; A Williams for Lynch 55; T Jackson for Byrne 57; L Grey for L Jackson 66.
DOWN: R Burns; P Fegan, R McEvoy, P McCarthy; P Laverty, D Guinness 0-3, 1tp, M Rooney; P Havern 0-8, 3f, 1tp, A McClements; D Magill 0-3, 1tp, J Guinness, S Millar; C Doherty 0-2, 1tp,, O Murdock 0-1, C McCrickard 0-2. Subs: O Savage 0-2, 1f for Millar 43; A Crimmins for McClements 46; E Branagan for Magill 56; C Francis 0-1 for J Guinness 58.
REFEREE: M McNally (Monaghan).
