Two early goals from Shane Roche and Paddy Byrne made the difference for Wexford, as Aidan O'Brien’s side cruised to an impressive win in Drogheda.

Recent form meant the home side were favourites for this tie, but their defensive troubles continued as Shane Roche nipped in behind Gerard Hoey in the fifth minute to get his team off to a dream start.

Playing with a strong wind, Louth minimised the damage with early points from Kevin Rogers and Shane Lennon. But Wexford struck again in the 10th minute when Paddy Byrne tapped home from close range.

An Adrian Flynn point immediately afterwards gave the visitors a five-point cushion. But Shane Lennon conjured a goal at the other end, helping a Brian White free to the net with a flick of his wrist.

Paddy Keenan and Roche traded points to leave two in it, but Louth started to make the wind count in the closing stages of the half, reeling off four points without reply from Brian Donnelly and Adrian Reid, followed by frees from Brian White and Kevin Rogers, to lead by 1-7 to 2-2 at the interval.

Wexford worked hard to reduce the gap to the minimum early in the second period, but blood sub Conor Rafferty was on hand to finish off a flowing Louth move after Mark Brennan's initial shot was well saved by Mark Curry.

However, Wexford eventually took complete control. They barely let the hosts out of their own half and kicked some superb scores. The away side continued to dominate and pressed home their superiority with points from Roche, Banville and Carty (their eighth without reply).

Brian White did manage to put a goal between the sides with a late free, but a comeback never looked likely and Redmond Barry made absolutely certain for Wexford with an injury-time point.