The Monaghan hurlers dismal form in the Nickey Rackard Cup continued following a 4-12 to 2-17 defeat to Louth at Inniskeen.
Monaghan got off to flying start leading 0-6 to no score on 13 minutes. Niall Arthur chipped in with five points with Niall Garland also on target.
Louth eventually settled hitting 1-4 in reply. Darren Geoghan’s goal on 24 minutes gave the visitors a one-point lead and they held on to lead by the same margin at half-time; 1-6 to 0-8.
The visitors found another gear after the restart. Two Conor Murphy goals helped them to an eight-point lead on 53 minutes.
Kevin Crawley’s 55th-minute goal initiated the Monaghan comeback, Leo Moloney’s pointed free made it a one-point game six minutes later.
Aaron McGuinness registered Louth’s fourth goal 60 seconds from time. Leo Moloney replied with one for Monaghan deep into injury time but the Farney men lost out by the smallest of margins.
