Limerick 1-10 Louth 0-9: Mark Stanfield made his 100th competitive appearance for Louth and scored a point but his side was outplayed by a much livelier Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds yesterday.

It was not all joy for Limerick manager Mickey Ned O'Sullivan, however, as he saw his side record 15 wides, nine of them in the first half, at the end of which they led by 1-7 to 0-3.

The goal was scored by Dermot Phelan just before the break when he punched to the net following a close-in free.

Louth dominated the second half and outscored Limerick by seven points to three but hit eight wides throughout the period.

Centre back Stephen Lavin, midfielder John Galvin and free-taker Kieran O'Callaghan, who contributed four points, were best for the winning side .

LIMERICK: S Kiely; S Walsh, J McCarthy, S Gallagher; A Lane, S Lavin (0-2), P Ranahan; J Cooke; J Galvin (0-1); G Collins (0-1), J Ryan, S Buckley (0-1); I Ryan, D Phelan (1-0), K O'Callaghan (0-4, frees). Subs: S Kelly (0-1)for I Ryan. J Murphy for O'Callaghan (69 mins).

LOUTH: S Reynolds; A Page, C Goss, B McArdle; C McGuinness, M Fanning (0-1), J Neary; B Donnelly, R Carroll; P Matthews, A Hoey, M Stanfield (0-1); C Judge, S Lennon (0-1), B White (0-4, two frees, two 45s). Subs: J O'Brien (0-1)for Matthews (31 mins), D Clarke (0-1)for B Donnelly (half-time), JJ Quigley for Page (52 mins).

Referee: G Ó Conamha(Galway).