Down 1-13 Louth 1-12

Down shaded a topsy-turvy match with Louth at Páirc Esler, with Daniel Hughes' goal proving the difference between the two neighbours.

The early exchanges set the tone for the night, as the teams swapped points. Stand-in captain Shane Lennon set Louth on their way after only 30 seconds with a point.

Benny Coulter was threatening for Down throughout the game, regularly adding his name to the scoresheet. Ross Carr's side took the initative late in the first half when Louth had two players show yellow cards.

Colin Goss and Mick Fanning were given their marching orders and quick-fire points put Down ahead by 0-09 to 0-05.

Louth staged a comeback in the second half. Lennon set the tone early once again, and although Coulter pointed, the game was set to change dramatically.

Paraic Smith found the net, less than a minute after a David Reid point to put Louth ahead by two points.

Coulter and Brian White kept the scoreboard ticking over, but the turning point came when JP Rooney struck the ball over the bar when he should have found the net, and it was left to Hughes to have the final word.