LEINSTER UNDER-21 FC FINAL:LOUTH BOAST one notable advantage going into this evening's Leinster under-21 football final against Dublin, albeit a slightly unconvincing one.

In progressing to this evening’s showdown in Páirc Tailteann – their first final since 1996, when they lost to Meath – Louth have scored an impressive 9-50 in three matches, which betters the 7-48 Dublin have scored.

The more telling reality is that 6-34 of Louth’s scoring total came in their first-round win over Kilkenny, which prompted all sorts of crisis talk about Kilkenny football, and how they just about managed to field a team on the night.

However, Louth have since recorded far more meaningful wins over Longford and Offaly, and Dublin manager Jim Gavin – who is looking to guide Dublin to their third under-21 provincial title in four years – has found himself trying to play down some of the heavy expectations on Dublin.

It’s not proving easy: Dublin beat reigning champions Wexford in the first round, before comfortably sweeping aside the challenges of Laois and Westmeath – with forward Ciarán Kilkenny scoring a prolific 1-18.

Comparisons have also been made with the 2009 Leinster minor championship meeting between Dublin and Louth, which Dublin won by 22 points – as many players involved on that occasion will meet again this evening.

It probably won’t be that one-sided, but Dublin look poised to claim what would be a 10th provincial title in the grade.

The Leinster Council have announced the following special admission prices: adults €10, students/senior citizens €5, under-16s free.