Dynamic Donny puts seal on Laois’ impressive fightback

Laois 1-13 Wexford 0-10

A stirring second-half performance highlighted by a splendid goal from dynamic substitute Donny Brennan turned the tide in Laois's favour.

Storming into an early two point lead, Wexford, with centre back Leigh O'Brien, wing forward Ciaran Deely and full-forward John Hudson in sparkling form, Wexford looked the more impressive side in an uncompromising battle for supremacy.

Both sides received three yellow cards and that reflected the aggressive nature of the game.

Wexford led by 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time as Laois who lost the talented services of wing forward Ross Munnelly with a severe leg injury, failed to sparkle and left the big home following in an attendance of approximately 5,000, bitterly disappointed.

When Mattie Forde, with a delightful point increased Wexford's lead on the re-start, Laois faced an uphill battle. But to their credit, Mick O'Dwyer's charges rose to the challenge.

A great point from Padraig Clancy sparked Laois's comeback and the talented midfielder gave his side the confidence to launch an exciting and successful fightback.

Suddenly it was all systems go for Laois, with Clancy and wing backs, Joe Higgins and Brian McCormack storming upfield and suddenly knocking the Wexford defence out of their stride.

Despite a marvellous sideline conversion by Forde levelling the scores at seven points apiece there was no stopping Laois as they enjoyed a refreshing new lease of life.

Two pointed frees in quick succession followed from Chris Conway, and then in a an electrifying spell Laois the match beyond Wexford's eager grasp.

They were three points to the good before Brennan scored the only goal of the match in the 57th minute a real beauty.

Wing back Joe Higgins broke deep from defence and his splendid 40 metre crossfield pass found Brennan who made no mistake from close range.

Brennan, a revelation on his introduction, and Conway, who was unerring in his free taking duties, climaxed a purple patch for Laois as the home side stormed into a 1-12 to 0-7 lead with 11 minutes remaining.

Wexford reduced the deficit with three points from Forde, two from frees, but there was no stopping a very impressive Laois side.

Scorers for Laois: D. Brennan 1-1, C. Conway 0-6 (0-4f), C. Kelly 0-2,J. Higgins, P. Clancy, B. Sheehan, B. Brennan (45) 0-1 each.

Wexford: M. Forde 0-6 (0-3f), P. Colfer, J. Hudson, L. O'Brien, C. Deely 0-1 each.

LAOIS: F. Byron, A. Fennelly, C. Ryan, P. McDonald, J. Higgins, D. Conroy, B. McCormack, P. Clancy, N. Garvan, R. Munnelly, B. Sheehan, G. Kavanagh, B. McDonald, C. Kelly, C. Conway, subs. B. Brennan for Munnelly (inj), P. McMahon for P. McDonald, D. Brennan for Kavanagh, T. Kelly for Conroy, C. Kelly for B. McDonald.

WEXFORD: J. Cooper, C. Morris, P. Wallace, N. Murphy, P. Curtis, L. O'Brien, D. Murphy, B. Doyle, P. Colfer, C. Deely, D. Fogarty, R. Barry, J.Hegarty, J. Hudson, M. Fore, subs. R. Stafford for Doyle, PJ Banville for Barry, D. Breen for N. Murphy, D. Shannon for Hegarty.

Referee J. Bannon (Longford).