Louth took over second place in the division from Wicklow yesterday with an improved second-half performance at Aughrim. Wicklow played against the strong wind in the first half and helped by a goal from wing forward Keith Byrne after 18 minutes, they led their opponents for most of the opening period.

Indeed Louth managed to get their nose in front briefly and on only two occasions and the sides were level at 1-4 to 0-7 at the break. However, Wicklow were knocked out of their stride in the second half as Louth upped the pace of their play. Stephen Hoey, Martin Farrelly, Oliver McDonnell and JP Rooney took the game to their opponents.

Midfielder Farrelly restored the Louth lead after just two minutes of the second half with a point and they were never subsequently caught. Wicklow were unable to make inroads even when Louth were reduced to 14 men for the last 10 minutes after centre forward Nicky Malone was sent off for a foul on Ronan Coffey.

Louth: C Nally; B Phillips, S Melia, R Rooney; S Gerard (0-1), S Hoey, P McGinnity; A O'Neill, M Farrelly (0-1); C Grimes (0-1), N Malone, O McDonnell (0-2); D Reilly, D Kirwan (0-2), JP Rooney (0-4). Subs: J Holland (0-1) for D Kirwan; K Callaghan for C Grimes; P McGuigan for A O'Neill.

Wicklow: T Murphy; S Nolan, B O'Donovan, T Burke; B O hAnnaidh, M Coffey, R Doyle; S O'Neill, B Sheehan; K Byrne (1-1), D McGillycuddy, T Doyle (0-1); T Gill (0-5), R Coffey, K O'Brien. Subs: T Hannon for D McGillycuddy; O hAnnaidh for S O'Neill.

Referee: P Russell (Tipperary).