Louth 3-6
Longford 1-10

Louth send a much-fancied Longford crashing out of the Cadbury Leinster U21FC at Haggardstown last night, despite playing the entire second half with 14 men.

Colin Kelly's charges showed tremendous character in the second period to see off last year's beaten finalists, who found themselves 10 points in arrears at one stage. After a bright opening by the visitors, Louth settled to their task and were given a major boost when William Woods netted in the 22nd minute. But they finished the first half down a man after midfielder and senior panelist Eoin O'Connor was sent off on a second yellow card.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Wee County dominated the third quarter when they outscored Padraic Davis' men by 2-4 to 0-2. They tagged on four points before Shane O'Hanlon grabbed their second goal in the 40th minute.

When Woods scored his second goal, Louth were 10 points clear, but Longford refused to wilt and fought back in the closing stages. However, Robbie Smyth's injury-time goal came too late as the hosts progressed to a semi-final meeting with Offaly.

Louth - J Flanagan; C Murray, D Campbell, T Hand; M Neary, P Reilly, C McEvoy; E O'Connor (0-1), S O'Hanlon (1-0); R Moore (0-1), C Bellew, P Kirwan; B Rogan (0-2), W Woods (2-1), B Berrill. Subs - B Hamilton (0-1) for Berrill, A Williams for McEvoy, S McMahon for Hand, E O'Neill for Kirwan, S Reidy for Rogan.

Longford - P Collum; R Keogh, B O'Farrell, S Flynn; D Bennett, M Mulvey, D Cooney; P McCormack (0-2), J Keegan; D Farrelly, B McKeon, J McGivney (0-1); D Mimnagh (0-1), R Smyth (1-2), M Hughes (0-3). Subs - J Kelly for Bennett, C Clarke (0-1) for Keegan.

Ref - R Malone (Dublin).

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