The status quo was maintained at Páirc Tailteann yesterday. Despite the excitement generated it was basically a case of first-round long shots providing loyal supporters with lots of commitment but little promise of ground-breaking deeds ahead.
That same commitment that saw Longford lose seven-point lead in the last quarter was duly reflected by referee Mick McGrath brandishing seven yellow cards and one red for Longford wing back Enda Ledwith seven minutes from time.
"We are usually the ones to let leads slip," said Louth's goal-scoring hero JP Rooney. Rooney's opportunism proved central to Louth's amazing recovery.
Longford's two goals - one early in each half by Paul Barden and Trevor Smullen - had left Louth struggling. Benefiting from the accuracy of Longford captain Padraic Davis, the persistence of midfielder Enda Barden and the unselfish foraging by their half forwards, Longford had the edge.
They had just opened a seven-point lead in the 20th minute of the second half when Rooney struck. Team captain Martin Farrelly looked like putting his name on the goal that Louth so badly needed. But somehow Longford goalkeeper Gavin Tonra blocked the captain's fine effort on to his near post. Rooney grabbed his chance in style, crashing the rebound to the net. The score dramatically revitalised Louth.
"I could see our lads' heads drop when that goal went in. We had put a lot into the game and were beginning to tire," said Longford manager Denis Connorton.
His opposite number, Paddy Carr, thought that Rooney's goal was the real turning point. He said: "But I have to say that neither myself nor my players would be prepared to admit defeat because of a seven-point deficit. There is too much character in this side to go down without a fight."
Longford, who led by 1-7 to 0-8 at half-time, failed to muster a score from the 20th minute of the second half, but Louth turned the screw. Rooney's goal and the subsequent sending-off of Ledwith for a second bookable offence combined to add impetus to their challenge.
The introduction of Niall Sheridan for Longford proved ineffective for he was denied the early ball which he thrives on. The sluice gates suddenly opened in the Longford cover. Louth's fitness stood them in good stead but their attempt to outscore their opponents was too often negated by poor finishing.
The introduction of David Reilly resulted in a valuable Louth point. Then Rooney popped up for a point to leave only two points between the teams.
Ollie McDonnell unfortunately sparked off a series of missed opportunities for Louth amid waves of attack. It took Enda Ledwith's costly tackle on McDonnell to avert what looked like an imminent goal. And even Christy Grimes did not escape criticism for some wayward shooting. But at least he could be partly excused on the strength of his injury-time equaliser that brings both sides back to Navan for the replay next Sunday.
LONGFORD: G Tonra; S Carroll, D Ledwith, F Coyle; C Conefrey, D Blessington, E Ledwith; E Barden (0-2, frees), C Keogh; T Smullen (1-1), P Barden (1-2), R Clyne; D Barden (0-2), A O'Connor, P Davis (0-4, frees). Subs: N Sheridan for Clyne (60 mins), D Brady for D Barden (67).
LOUTH: S Reynolds; S Gerard, A Hoey, D Brennan; J Neary, C Goss, P McGinnity; K Reilly, C Quinn (0-1); B Clarke (0-1), C Grimes (0-5, two frees), O McDonnell (0-1); M Farrelly, M Stanfield (0-3), J P Rooney (1-2, 1 free). Subs: D Reilly (0-1) for Quinn (45 mins), C Kelly for Clarke (53 mins), A Page for Gerard (60 mins).
Referee: M McGrath (Donegal).
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