Cork v Louth: Player ratings as footballers crash out

CHRIS KELLY: Spilled a high ball to cough up the goal. Did fine otherwise but that proved the difference in a tight game. 5.

KEVIN FLAHIVE: Was on a lot of ball as an outlet coming up the field, as is often the case with modern football and blanket defences. 6.

DANIEL O'MAHONY: An upfield raid yielded a fisted goal which put Cork into the driving seat but it didn't matter in the end. 6.

MAURICE SHANLEY: Like his comrades in the full-back line, spent as much time up the pitch as defending. 6.

TOMMY WALSH: First-half injury ended his afternoon. 6.

RORY MAGUIRE: Landed a point in the opening period when Cork were struggling but not as impactful as other games. 6.

MATTY TAYLOR: Louth policed his runs well in the first half and he was forced into some uncharacteristic turnovers in the second period. 5.

COLM O'CALLAGHAN: Terrific first half, when he curled over 0-3 from play when Cork were struggling for scores. Cork's best player overall. 7.

IAN MAGUIRE: Lovely kick-pass for O'Mahony's goal. Worked hard in a dour encounter. 6.

BRIAN O'DRISCOLL: Covered the hard yards as always and had a point but found it hard to penetrate Louth's massed rearguard. 6.

MARK CRONIN: Couldn't build on his excellent game against Tyrone and kicked a wide when Cork badly needed a point. 5.

RUAIRÍ DEANE: Handed a start with Paul Walsh out but never really got motoring. 5.

BRIAN HURLEY: Return from a hamstring injury was a huge boost but he was peripheral in the first half. Landed a classy score after, but too often away from the danger zone. 6.

STEVEN SHERLOCK: First time starting this championship in tandem with Hurley. Kicked a first-half wide and starved of possession. 5.

CHRIS ÓG JONES: Grabbed two points in the closing stages to tie the game but somehow fisted the ball over when clean through and Cork paid a high price. 6.

SUBS 

TOM CLANCY: Replaced Walsh coming up to half-time. Added a bit of experience. 6.

EOGHAN McSWEENEY: Lively but clipped a wide and hit a great goal chance straight at the keeper. 5.

SEÁN POWTER: Brought needed energy and directness in the last quarter. 6. 

CONOR CORBETT: Curled a wide from the D. Hasn't replicated his league form this summer. 5.