Allianz Football League Division Three

TIPPERARY 1-16 LAOIS 1-10

By Jackie Cahill at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise

Liam Kearns watched his Tipperary players collect two precious points in the Allianz National Football League Division 3 promotion race this evening, as the Premier County won by six points against Laois.

The visitors were full value for their win on a chilly evening in Portlaoise, bouncing back from defeat against Sligo last time out to secure their second victory from three League outings.

Conor Sweeney led the way in the scoring stakes with seven points, as Kevin O’Halloran’s late goal sealed the win.

O’Halloran’s effort was fortuitous as his long-range free dropped short but was fumbled over the line by defender Darren Strong, as he attempted to clear.

For Laois, managed by former Tipp boss Peter Creedon, this is a setback after they came from behind to see off Armagh in their previous game.

Laois, missing a number of key players and now in a relegation fight, had key forward Donie Kingston black-carded in the second half but they were in the hunt when David Conway goaled nine minutes from time, after Liam Casey was turned over.

But credit to Casey for knocking over Tipp’s next point and the Cahir man also executed a couple of vital interceptions down the home straight.

Six minutes from time, sub Liam McGrath did brilliantly to set up a chance for Josh Keane, superb throughout, but his shot was smothered by Graham Brody.

But two minutes into stoppage time, Tipp’s goal did come and the end result was put beyond any lingering doubt.

Tipperary, who lost All-Star Michael Quinlivan to what appeared to be concussion, led by 0-7 to 0-6 at half-time, but the visitors were 0-6 to 0-1 clear by the 18th minute.

Kingston kicked Laois in front with an early free but a run of six points without reply boosted Tipp’s challenge – Sweeney accounting for four of those.

Laois, who registered seven first half wides, went 16 minutes without a score until Colm Begley slotted over a classy score and that was followed up by points from Niall Donoher and a Donie Kingston free.

Philip Austin ended a 14-minute barren spell for Tipperary with a point approaching half-time but Kingston (one from play and one free) had Laois in touch at the break. 

Indeed, the full-forward could have equalised before the interval but after scooting past Paddy Codd, he sent a tame, left-footed effort into the grateful arms of Evan Comerford.

Tipp, fielding Liam Casey and impressive debutant Jack Kennedy in midfield, went with a short kick-out strategy to maintain possession and for the most part, this tactic worked well.

Content to build from the back, Tipp worked the ball well through the lines and they had a man of the match display from captain Brian Fox.

Meanwhile, in Division Four Carlow defeated Limerick by 1-10 to 0-10 at Netwatch Cullen Park.

**Scorers for Tipperary: **Conor Sweeney 0-7 (5fs), Kevin O’Halloran 1-0 (f), Philip Austin 0-2, Kevin Fahey, Emmet Moloney, Jimmy Feehan, Josh Keane (f), Liam McGrath, Brian Fox and Liam Casey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Laois: David Conway 1-2 (0-1f), Donal Kingston 0-5 (3fs), Colm Begley, John O’Loughlin and Niall Donoher 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: Evan Comerford; Alan Campbell, Paddy Codd, Willie Connors; Emmet Moloney, Robbie Kiely, Jimmy Feehan; Liam Casey, Jack Kennedy; Josh Keane, Kevin O’Halloran, Brian Fox; Conor Sweeney, Michael Quinlivan, Philip Austin.

Subs: Liam McGrath for Quinlivan (inj., 25), Kevin Fahey for Connors (61), George Hannigan for Casey (66), Liam Boland for Austin (69), Alan Moloney for Kennedy (70), Martin Dunne for O’Halloran (70+4).

LAOIS: Graham Brody; Darren Strong, Denis Booth, James Kelly; Stephen Attride, Colm Begley, Eoin Buggie; Danny Luttrell, Seán Ramsbottom; Daniel O’Reilly, David Conway, Niall Donoher; John O’Loughlin, Donie Kingston, Paul Kingston.

Subs: Alan Farrell for Ramsbottom (40), Eoin Lowry for O’Reilly (48), Ruairi O’Connor for Donoher (55), Ross Munnelly for P Kingston (59), James Finn for D Kingston (b/c 59), Gareth Dillon for Luttrell (65).

REFEREE: N McKenna (Monaghan).