PARNELL PARK BREAKDOWN

MAN OF MATCH

GRAHAM REILLY (Meath). THE experienced centreforward had a terrific first Championship outing as captain. He scored seven points from open play and set up Thomas Reilly and James Toher to score two points each. He was also the man that lifted Meath when they needed to close out the game in the final 20 minutes or so.

TURNING POINT

BRYAN McMAHON’S 48th minute point for Meath ignited a scoring spree that ultimately allowed them win with ease. Louth were two ahead at that stage but only scored once more, a 58th minute goal from Conal McKeever. Meath outscored Louth, in total, by 0-14 to 1-0 in that final period.

SIDELINE BATTLE

BOTH sides went at it in traditional fashion. Louth could have done with an extra man in defence in the last 15 minutes, but couldn’t afford to go chasing the game. Louth ultimately paid for an attacking style that stood to them throughout spring and they can still cause trouble in the

REF WATCH

BARRY CASSIDY dished out two black cards and five yellows. Got the two black cards right as Louth’s Kevin Carr attempted to ankle trip Bryan McMahon as he bore down on goal, and it also appeared that Meath’s Conor McGill deliberately body collided with a Louth player in the build-up to their penalty.