Carlow defeated by Laois thanks to clinical Kingston display

Carlow 2-08 Laois 1-17

Netwatch Cullen Park

The game took its time to ignite as it remained scoreless after 15 minutes. The first chance of the game almost fell to Carlow with Laois goalkeeper Scott Osbourne coming out to sweep up the ball.

Laois conceded the first Carlow goal as poor defending allowed Colm Hulton to raise a green flag for the home side.

Darragh Foley added to Carlow’s tally with a point from play. Laois almost got their first score of the game as a superb ball from Mark Barry teed up Evan O’Carroll, only for his effort to hit the upright.

Laois got their first point on the board in the 21st minute as Paul Kingston pointed a free after Carlow had touched the ball on the ground. Carlow increased their advantage with a score from Niall Hickey.

Laois began to click into gear as they raised four successive white flags. Kingston got his second point of the contest following great build-up by the O’Moore men.

Kingston would score all four points as he tapped over three frees to add to his earlier score from play. The game was now level, but not for long as Ross Dunphy scored a point over his shoulder.

Foley tapped over another free to add to Carlow’s tally while O’Carroll got his first score of the contest for Laois. Foley raised his third white flag from placed balls as Carlow led by two approaching half-time.

The sides would go into the break level as a Kingston free as well as a superb effort from O’Carroll left the half-time score, Carlow 1-5 Laois 0-8.

Carlow came out firing in the second half as they scored 1-2 without reply. Foley pointed 20 seconds into the half while he also tapped over a free. Substitute Eric Molloy got his name on the scoreboard after a fine pass from Mikey Bambrick set him to raise a green flag.

That would be Carlow’s last score until the 70th minute as Laois took the game by the scruff of the neck and powered home to victory. Kingston added another two points to his tally, one from a free.

Mark Barry opened his account with a placed ball while half-back Brian Byrne also got his first of the game with a fine score. Kingston would kick another two scores while Barry and O’Carroll added another point apiece.

Shane O’Neil pointed a free for Carlow, but it was goals the home side needed. Byrne ventured forward yet again and raised a white flag before Kingston put the gloss on the performance with a goal.

The game ended with three red cards as Evan O’Carroll and Brian Byrne received their marching orders while Shane Buggy from Carlow was also sent to the line.

One win, one draw and one loss for Carlow so far in Division 4. Niall Carew's side travel to Leitrim for their next league fixture on February 26.