O'Byrne Cup: Louth impress as Laois claim draw against Meath

Louth took a major step towards an O'Byrne Cup semi-final spot with a 0-14 to 1-10 win over Kildare in Newbridge.

That result, coupled with their win over Westmeath midweek, means that a draw will be enough to send them through against Wexford.

The result looked unlikely 12 minutes in as the Lilywhites raced into a 0-04 to 0-00 lead, Cein McMonagle grabbing two of those, but four Sam Mulroy frees and a Conor Grimes effort had the away side a point ahead in the 25th minute.

Paul Matthews, Ciaran Murphy and Daire McConnell were then on target as they took an 0-08 to 0-05 lead into the break, Aaron O’Neill’s second point of the day proving Kildare’s sole response.

Louth were five points clear midway through the second half when Mick O’Grady gave Kildare a lifeline with a goal after some pinball in the Wee County defence.

A couple of scores from Jay Hughes gave Mickey Harte's side some breathing room, enough to hold onto the win despite late points from Jimmy Hyland and Jack Robinson.

Elsewhere in Group A, Westmeath recorded a dominating 1-16 to 0-06 win over Wexford in The Downs.

Dessie Dolan’s side had the use of a strong breeze in the first half and they made the most of it as they claimed eight of the opening nine points while they also hit the crossbar.

Dean O’Toole stopped the rot with a free to leave it 0-08 to 0-02, but James Dolan’s goal 25 minutes in had Westmeath well clear and they took a 1-10 to 0-04 advantage into the turn.

Desptie now playing with the elements, Wexford were only able to manage two second-half points, Daire Bolger and Sean Nolan raising white flags in the final moments.

Longford have also made it back-to-back wins after their Group B victory over Carlow.

In a one-sided affair, Paddy Christie’s side won