A goal after 14 minutes from newcomer John Moloney proved crucial as Louth survived a strong Wexford comeback in Gorey yesterday.

The corner forward sent a low shot to the net after receiving a pass from Gerry Curran, stretching the Louth lead to 2-6 to 0-4.

However, this was their last score, and the wind-assisted Wexford men hit seven points in a row and failed narrowly to bring the game to extra time.

Midfielders Jack Berry and Michal Dillon were on target for Wexford, but Scott Doran wasted a golden goal chance in the 49th minute.

Overlapping full back Paul Harrington hit two late points to leave the minimum between the sides; but time ran out for Wexford.

Louth had led by 1-4 to 0-3 at half-time, with Stefan White setting up John Donaldson for the goal in the 15th minute.

Two players were sent off under the personal fouls rule, David Brennan of Louth and Wexford's John Harrington.

Louth: C Nally; N Flynn, C Nash, D Brennan; J Finnegan, G O'Neill, C Grimes; K Reilly, G Curran; O McDonnell, J Donaldson (1-1), M Stanfield (0-2); S White (0-2), P Kelly, J Moloney (1-1). Subs: R Rooney for Finnegan; L Farrelly for Curran; E Carr for Flynn.

Wexford: J Cooper; P Wallace, P Harring- ton (0-2), D Breen; D Redmond, B Kirwan, C Roche; M Dillon (0-1), J Berry (0-1); B Carty (0-1), J Harrington, S Doran (0-1); R Kinsella (0-1), R Doyle, J Hegarty (0-4). Subs: P Kavanagh for Carty; E Doyle for R Doyle.

Referees: J Bannon (Longford) and G McCabe (Dublin).