Never mind a good championship run, this alone is uncharted territory as far as Wicklow people, among whose number this writer counts himself, are concerned. But it's a tag the team just about deserve after a battling display in Parnell Park last Sunday.

Call it momentum or a sense of purpose, but Dean Odlum's equaliser at the end of normal time and Thomas Walsh's point at the end of extra time last Sunday seem to suggest Wicklow are destined not to lose this afternoon. It's finding a way to win that seems to be the problem.

The fact remains there is nothing between the sides.

Two weeks ago it was Wicklow who created more goal chances, but last Sunday in the relatively confined spaces of Parnell Park Eamonn McEnaney's men proved just as adept at working the ball inside with the 'glaring miss' count at one apiece before Louth's Nicky McDonnell found a way through Wicklow's otherwise outstanding full-back line for a goal in extra time.

Time and again last Sunday, Wicklow's midfield and half-forward line ran the ball into a congested Louth defence instead of releasing quick possession to the inside forward line. Today, however, O'Dwyer will instruct Walsh and Leighton Glynn to use Croke Park's width to their advantage by feeding Tommy Gill and Tony Hannon early and often if they hope to get the better of Jamie Carr and Colin Goss in the Louth fullback line.

As ever, Gill will worry Louth most this afternoon. It was noticeable that after his sending off for a second yellow card last Sunday, Wicklow's attacking options were seriously curtailed.

However, the most glaring statistic from Parnell Park was the fact Louth kicked six wides in extra time to Wicklow's one; evidence that perhaps fatigue was a much greater factor for McEnaney's side.

Coupled with the sense that Wicklow's day might have come is one that Louth have fallen far short of their expected level of performance in the first two games.

Without a dominant midfield, the likes of Aaron Hoey, Mark Stanfield and JP Rooney have had to work twice as hard to create openings but a few early scores could work wonders for their confidence.

If Wicklow are to prevail they need to find a goal at some stage today, but Croke Park should suit that scenario and set up a win for a team and a group of supporters who have waited long enough.

VerdictWicklow by two points

LEINSTER SFC FIRST ROUND SECOND REPLAY WICKLOW v LOUTH Croke Park, 2.10 Referee P Hughes (Armagh)