Geoghegan helps Louth hold off Lancashire rally

LOUTH picked up their first two points of the campaign with a hard-earned victory over Lancashire at Abbotstown.

The key moment came in the 12th minute, when Darren Geoghegan rose highest to deflect a high ball into the net.

Despite looking the better side, Louth were unable to kick on, and Lancashire’s Darren Crowley slotted over five first-half frees to keep his side in the game, trailing 1-8 to 0-7 at the break.

When David Stephenson came off the bench to notch 1-1, it looked as if Louth were going to coast, but the Exiles refused to go quietly.

The dead-eyed Crowley chipped away at the deficit, scoring 1-4 of his 1-9 total in the final quarter.

With Stephen Duncan also on song, Lancashire finished the game the stronger, with four points on the spin, leaving Louth grateful for the final whistle.

“We were comfortable for long periods, but old habits die hard,” said Louth manager Paul McCormack. “We took our eye off the ball and let them in for a few soft frees, but the boys coped well in adversity against the breeze.”