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Antrim's season came to its expected end as Louth proved too strong in Saturday's opening Football qualifier.

Frank Dawson's side improved from their poor Ulster display against Monaghan but Louth always held the edge.

Ciaran Byrne's goal helped Louth lead 1-4 to 0-1 but four Paddy Cunningham points cut the Wee County's advantage to 1-7 to 0-6 by half-time.

Louth extended their lead to seven before a Michael Pollock goal for Antrim but the home side held on.

Pollock's goal cut the margin to 1-11 to 1-7 and while Antrim did draw to within two points of the home side, Louth reasserted themselves in the closing stages to take a deserved victory, despite the late dismissal of keeper Neil Gallagher for apparent dissent.

The Saffrons could take very few positives from their 0-6 to 0-11 defeat by Monaghan in the Ulster SFC.

In contrast, Louth earned an impressive opening 10-point win over Laois before losing by a point against Wexford.

All-Ireland SFC qualifiers - first round

Friday 28 June

Carlow 0-12 3-13 Laois

Saturday 29 June

Offaly 0-08 1-27 Tyrone

Louth 1-17 1-11 Antrim

Westmeath 1-15 3-10 Fermanagh

Longford 2-14 0-9 Limerick

Galway 1-12 0-11 Tipperary

Sunday 30 June

Armagh v Wicklow (Athletic Grounds, 15:00)

Derry v Sligo (Owenbeg, 17:00)