Antrim 0-16 Louth 1-12: An injury-time point from a Kevin Madden free-kick gave Antrim victory at Casement Park.
Antrim led by 0-8 to 0-5 at half-time but Louth points by Paddy Matthews and Niall Sharkey minutes after the resumption narrowed the gap to the minimum.
Shane Lennon levelled the scores on 49 minutes and Aaron Hoey sent the visitors ahead for the first time two minutes later.
A Louth goal by Lennon gave the visitors a 1-11 to 0-12 lead 12 minutes from time and then Sharkey rifled over a point.
Antrim came back and Ciaran Close pointed before Joe Quinn scored two to level the game again before Madden's winner.
ANTRIM: P Murray; K Murray, C Brady, D Gault; S Devlin, T Scullion, S Kelly (0-1, free); J Quinn (0-2), M McCarry; K Close (0-3, one free), K Brady, C Gallagher; J McAleese (0-1, 45), B Herron (0-3), K Madden (0-6, four frees). Subs: M McCann for McAleese (45 mins), M Magill for McCarry (49 mins), G Adams for Scullion (63 mins), N Doyle for Close (64 mins), P Logan for Gallagher (66 mins).
LOUTH: S McCoy; J Neary, D Shevlin, J Carr; G Long, A Hoey (0-1), S Gerard; D Devenney, R Carroll; O McDonnell (0-1), M Stanfield (0-1), D Clarke (0-1); S Lennon (1-2), P Mathews (0-1), N Sharkey (0-5, one free, one 45). Subs: T O'Briain for McDonnell (44 mins),
YELLOW CARDS: Antrim: None; Louth: G Long (45 mins) replaced by A Page; S Gerard (52 mins) replaced by C Sheridan; S Sheridan (66 mins) replaced by J Clerkin.
Referee: C Reynolds (Down).