NFL DIVISION THREE: Limerick 1-14 Louth 1-11:AN OPPORTUNISTIC strike from Pa Ranahan, midway through the second half, eased Limerick's relegation worries and put a severe dent in Louth's promotion hopes in Drogheda yesterday.

The wing back gambled successfully on a pointed effort from Eoin Hogan that came back off an upright in the 54th minute, leaving the Ballysteen man with the simplest of finishes.

Louth had only just taken the lead for the first time through JP Rooney, but Ranahan’s goal established a two-point lead for Limerick – 1-11 to 1-9 – and they pushed on to secure a deserved win.

Back-to-back wins moves the Treaty men out of the bottom two on score difference. Peter Fitzpatrick’s side were playing catch-up for most of the contest, but a fine low finish from Shane Lennon in the 23rd minute left them just 0-9 to 1-4 adrift at the interval .

Back-to-back points from Derek Maguire and Rooney put them in front for the first time in the 52nd minute. However, Ranahan’s goal was the spur Limerick needed.

LIMERICK:B Scanlon; M Riordan, S Gallagher, M Sheridan; J Riordan (0-1), J McCarthy, P Ranahan (1-0); T Lee (0-1), S Buckley (0-1); S Kelly (0-3), J Mullane (0-2), E Hogan; I Ryan (0-1 free), J Cooke (0-3), G Collins. Subs: J Hoare for M Sheehan (ht), E O'Connor (0-2) for J Mullane (53), S O'Carroll for E Hogan (60), J Kelly for S O'Carroll (70+).

LOUTH:S Connor; D Byrne, A Hoey, G Hoey; D Crilly, D Finnegan, S Fitzpatrick; P Keenan (0-2), B Donnelly (0-1, '45); A Reid, A McDonnell, M Brennan; D Maguire (0-2), S Lennon (1-3, one free), JP Rooney (0-3). Subs: P Smith for M Brennan (46), R Carroll for A McDonnell (58), J Carr for D Finnegan (58), C Judge for D Maguire (67).

Referee:Barry Cassidy (Derry).