O'Dwyer works his magic with Laois

Mick O'Dwyer worked the oracle with Laois as he guided them to the National Football League final amid a frenzy of excitement and delight at Croke Park.

His rejuvenated side extended a remarkable unbeaten record under the former Kerry and Kildare supreme by dumping All-Ireland champions Armagh out in a thriller.

Damien Delaney was scorer in chief on the day with 1-6, but this was a wonderful team effort by the O'Moore men, with youthful corner back Joe Higgins a real hero.

Delaney slammed home a brilliant goal just second into the second half, a score which gave Laois real belief in themselves.

Even when Martin O'Rourke pulled back an Armagh goal within five minutes, they stuck to their task and applied a rousing finish.

The sides were level at 0-5 each at the end of an evenly balanced opening quarter, Michael Lawlor, Delaney and Noel Garvan on target for the Leinster side, while the Sam Maguire Cup holders had scores from Stephen McDonnell, Paddy McKeever, John McEntee and Aidan O'Rourke.

Armagh had a real let-off when substitute Andy Mallon cleared off the line from Colm Parkinson, but they rallied for McKeever to ease them back in front, before Barry O'Hagan twice fisted over the bar to open up a three points lead.

Stephen Kelly and Delaney were on target late in the half to reduce the interval deficit to 0-9 to 0-8, and all to play for.

Then came that dramatic two-goal start to the second period, with Laois following up with points from Kelly and Delaney.

Armagh were becoming disorganised and untidy, and the Laois defence, with Higgins, Kevin Fitzpatrick and Darren Rooney in stoic form, repeatedly repelled dangerous situations.

McDonnell was now the only Orchard scoring threat, while Laois were still full of running and attacking endeavour.

And they applied a storming finish, Parkinson, Delaney and sub Ross Mullally sealing their place in the decider against holders Tyrone.