Wicklow inflict first defeat of Laois’ league campaign

Laois’ 100% record in Division 4 has come to an end after Wicklow defeated the O’Moore County this evening.

Laois went 17 mins without scoring in the second-half and this was Wicklow’s most prolific period as they scored six points without reply.

Wicklow 2-12

Laois 2-10

Laois opened the scoring with a free as Murphy was fouled with O’Dempsey’s Mark Barry raising a white flag. Wicklow’s goalkeeper and free-taker Mark Jackson missed two score able frees as one hit the post and the other dropped wide.

The home side were defending well and not affording Wicklow any scoring chances from play. Laois turned defence into attack as Brian Daly intercepted a Wicklow line-ball before he ran through on goal. His first effort saved while he was tripped in the square on the follow up.

Barry made no mistake from the spot as he sent Jackson the wrong way as he tucked the ball into the bottom corner. It took Wicklow 14 mins to register a score as Kevin Quinn scored from play.

Laois pressed high on the Wicklow kickouts as Barry was first to the ball with him teeing up Eoin Lowry to slot the ball over the bar. Jackman was proving lacklustre on the placed balls for Wicklow as he kicked three frees wide.

Barry added to his tally with a point from a free. Scott Osbourne gifted Wicklow a score as his sloppy hand-pass allowed Mark Kenny, an easy chance at a point.

Barry kept Laois ticking over as he pointed his third free of the contest. Laois led by five points approaching half-time, however they would only go in at the break by a single point.

Eoin Darcy pointed a free as well as attempting a score, only to see his effort drop short and be palmed onto the post by Jack Kirwan. He was first to the rebound as he tapped the ball into an empty net. Laois leading 1-4 to 1-3 at half-time.

Laois got the first two points of the half as Kieran Lillis scored a splendid point off his left-boot. Lowry got his second score of the game with a beautiful team score.

That would be Laois last score for almost 20 minutes as Wicklow grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and scored six without reply.

Goalkeeper Jackson pointed two frees while Quinn also pointed two placed balls of his own. Patrick O’Keane and Dean Healy both raised white flags from play.

Laois ended their 17 min period without a score as they fired over three quick-fire scores to level the game. Kingston scored a free while he also scored a superb point from the left. Kevin Swayne levelling the game with a score from play.

Wicklow responded with two points of their own as Darcy scored a free while Dean Healy pointed off the outside of his boot. Kingston took his tally to three frees as Wicklow led by one point.

Wicklow got the game defining score as JP Hurley fired the ball into the back of the net late on. There was still time for Laois to get another goal as Kingston was fouled in the square with Barry getting his second goal from the spot.

Laois next game comes in the form of Waterford next Saturday at home.