Antrim 1-9 Louth 1-7 Kevin Madden, with five second-half points, inspired Antrim to victory at Páirc Mhuire, Ardee, yesterday. They scored 1-2 without reply in the opening 11 minutes, Paul Close scoring the goal, while Peter McCann chipped in with two pointed frees.

A new-look Louth side fought back and led at the break, 1-5 to 1-2, Nicky McDonnell grabbing the goal on 34 minutes.

Louth were reduced to 14 men early in the second half when David Brennan, already booked, was shown a red card for striking McCann. Three Madden-pointed frees brought Antrim level on 58 minutes and he kicked his side ahead five minutes later, 1-7 to 1-6. Louth levelled from an Aaron Hoey free, but a second Madden score on 71 minutes followed by a Kevin Brady point wrapped up the points for the visitors.

ANTRIM: S McGreevy; N Ward, T McConvery, J McKeever; S Kelly, R O'Loan, A Finnegan; D Martin, J Quinn; P McCann (0-2, frees), P Doherty, K Brady (0-1); P Close (1-1), D O'Hare, K Madden (0-5, 3 frees). Sub: K Murray for J McKeever (65 mins).

LOUTH: S McCoy; A Page, J Kermath, S Gerrard; P McGinnity (0-2), A Rogan, D Brennan; P Mallon, D Devaney; D Clarke (0-1, free), A Hoey (0-1, free), R Kelly (0-1); N McDonnell (1-0), O McDonnell (0-1), C Malone (0-1). Subs: C McGuinness for D Clarke (55 mins); S O'Neill for N McDonnell (62 mins).

Referee: G Kineavey (Roscommon).