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Allianz FL D2: Kildare defeat Laois

Paddy Brophy scored three points for Kildare against Laois.

Paddy Brophy scored three points for Kildare against Laois.

Allianz Football League Division Two

KILDARE 0-15 LAOIS 0-10

By Rory Delaney at MW Hire O'Moore Park

Kildare picked up their second win of Allianz Football League as a strong start set them on their way.

The Lilywhites have struggled to date in the League, but showed not signs of that in an early blitz of the Laois goal. In truth they should have won by a much greater margin, but having been mired in a relegation fight prior to throw in they are at least moving in the right direction now. A lot of work still needs to be done, however.

Kildare scored their first point after just a minute and had four registered in the opening five minutes, as they overwhelmed Laois in the opening stages.

Paddy Brophy registered that opening score and Adam Tyrrell quickly added another before a Paul Cribbin brace to put Jack O’Connor’s men in the driving seat. Laois tightened things up at the back after that and ten minutes passed without a score for either side, Evan O’Carroll finally ending that run with a pointed free for Laois.

Kildare remained in the ascendancy, though, only their profligacy in front of goal denying them the chance to build up a considerable lead. They had eight wides registered in the opening 30 minutes, but by that stage they were still six points clear. Kevin Feely (free), Tommy Moolick and Liam Power all helped to build that lead, and they looked to be cruising.

Laois, despite their lack of scoring opportunities, did manage to keep themselves in contention. Evan O’Carroll pointed twice in quick succession to get them within four, and that was the way it stayed at the break, Kildare leading 0-8 to 0-4.

Kildare should have extended that lead on the restart when Adam Tyrrell lined up a close-range free, but he opted to play it short to Daniel Flynn. Kildare were trying to work a goal chance, but Laois quickly swarmed around them and the chance was lost.

It was a disappointing spell in the game as neither side seemed capable of registering a score. Kildare finally broke that barren run by kicking for home, starting with a free from Adam Tyrrell. Scores quickly followed from Kevin Flynn and two more Tyrrell frees, as the gap now stood at eight.

Laois offered little to suggest they could launch a meaningful comeback and so it proved, as they were repeatedly repelled by a dogged Kildare defence. A couple of late Laois scores made the scoreline look a bit better, but in truth it was a comfortable win for the visitors.

Scorers for Kildare: Adam Tyrrell 0-4 (3fs), Paddy Brophy 0-3, Paul Cribbin 0-2, Kevin Flynn, Kevin Feely (f), Liam Power, Tommy Moolick, Niall Kelly, Neil Flynn (f) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Laois: Evan O’Carroll 0-4 (3fs), Niall Corbet 0-2 (2fs), Sean O’Flynn, Kieran Lillis, John O’Loughlin, Brian Byrne 0-1.

KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Mick O’Grady, Shea Ryan, Eoin Doyle; David Hyland, Con Kavanagh, Kevin Flynn; Kevin Feely, Tommy Moolick; Liam Power, Paul Cribbin, Paddy Brophy; Adam Tyrrell, Daniel Flynn, Niall Kelly.

Subs: Keith Cribbin for K Flynn (34-35+2 mins, blood-sub), Conor Hartley for Power (47), Jack Robinson for Kelly (65), Jimmy Hyland for D Flynn (67).

LAOIS: Niall Corbet; Trevor Collins, Mark Timmons, Gearoid Hanrahan; Sean O’Flynn, Robbie Pigott, Patrick O’Sullivan; John O’Loughlin, Kieran Lillis; Sean Byrne, Eoin Lowry, Damien O’Connor; Ross Munnelly, Colm Murphy, Evan O’Carroll.

Subs: Mark Barry for O’Connor (42), Michael Keogh for Munnelly (47).

REFEREE: Joe McQuillan (Cavan)