LOUTH RATINGS

Craig Lynch

Will be disappointed with the kick-out that allowed Wicklow in for their goal, but made amends with a fine stop a few minutes later.

Padraig Rath

Found Paul Cunningham hard to handle in the opening stages, but got to grip with the Bray man and enjoyed a solid second-half.

Patrick Reilly

The suspicion was that a prolific but cumbersome Seanie Furlong might suit the Bride’s man and so it transpired as he edged a good battle with the Wicklow talisman.

Kevin Carr

A subdued display from the debutante, who picked up goalscorer Mark Kenny and handled him well thereafter. Not as prominent going forward as usual.

Conall McKeever

Didn’t look entirely comfortable in the sweeper role, but that’s hardly surprising given that it was his first competitive game in the role. Scored a point but made way early in second-half.

John Bingham

Had to pick up arguably Wicklow’s best player on the day in Dean Healy and handled the Pat’s man well at times. Likely to face a similar challenge against Meath in Graham Reilly.

Anthony Williams

A trademark raid saw him tee up Eoin O’Connor for Louth’s goal on 10 minutes, but 90 seconds later he was heading for an early shower and had no real grounds for complaint.

Tommy Durnin

A powerhouse display from the Westerns man, who broke forward, fielded with aplomb and tracked back when required. Louth need another display like this in two weeks.

James Stewart

Has played midfield before for Louth, but didn’t look that comfortable on Sunday, particularly in the early stages. Settled better in a deeper role later on.

Darren Marks

It was a mixed debut for the Cooley man, but one he should be largely happy with. Coughed up a couple of turnovers in dangerous positions, but generally looked comfortable.

Paraic Smith

Kicked two first-half points, which he is always capable of, but was well marshalled by Brendan Kennedy overall and never really got into the game.

Bevan Duffy

The St Fechin’s man has established himself as one of the first names on Kelly’s teamsheet and was superb again on Sunday, winning dirty ball and using it well.

Ruairi Moore

Made a bright start but faded as the game progressed and made way for Declan Byrne mid-way through the second period.

Eoin O’Connor

Caused problems for Wicklow at full forward and in midfield and made a crucial block when there was just a point between the sides in the closing stages.

Ryan Burns

Supremely accurate from frees, but things didn’t really go his way from open play. Still, Louth didn’t score another free after he departed which could have been costly.