THE decision to play an obviously less than fit Colin Kelly at full forward was a contributory factor in Louth's defeat by a determined Leitrim side at Carrick on Shannon yesterday.

Louth started impressively enough and were three points up after just six minutes through Stefan White, John Levins and Seamus O'Hanlon. Leitrim, who had their chances in these early minutes finally got on the scoreboard through Aidan Rooney.

Two minutes later, Louth restored their three point advantage when corner back Ray Rooney pointed following a great run out of his own defence.

It was to be their last score of the half as Leitrim went on the attack with a 16th minute pointed free from Declan Darcy. There were no further scores during the second quarter as Leitrim failed to advance through poor finishing - they registered seven "wides in this period.

Louth led 0-4 to 0-3 at the interval but Leitrim the better of the exchanges during the third quarter despite the loss of Padraig Kenny and Jason Ward, with points from substitute Padraig McLoughlin, Rooney (twice) and George Dugdale.

Louth sent in Barry O'Connor, Patrick Butterly and Martin Farrelly in a last ditch effort to salvage the game. Kelly sent over a free ten minutes from time but Leitrim continued to dominate play, especially in midfield where Pat Donohoe, Brendan Guckian and Dugdale were outstanding.