Laois impress with win over Meath

Laois 1-13, Meath 0-9

Leinster champions Laois took a giant step towards retaining their provincial football crown with an impressive semi-final victory over Meath at Croke Park.

In the end it was a bridge too far for 14-man Meath to match the skill and speed of a Laois side who'll now meet Westmeath or Wexford in the Leinster final.

Admittedly, Meath had their chances and forced Laois 'keeper Fergal Byron to pull off two world class saves in the second-half but they were always playing a chasing game.

Laois took the lead after five minutes when the brilliant Ross Munnelly hit their opening point and they never actually fell behind in the entire game.

The sides were level a total of five times before the break and it was no surprise that they went in at 0-6 apiece with Munnelly hitting 0-4 of Laois' tally and Joe Sheridan notching up 0-3 for Meath.

Sheridan was Meath's chief performer after the break too with another 0-3, all from dead balls.

But it was nowhere near what was required on the scoreboard with Laois forging ahead 0-12 to 0-8 by the 55th minute before Colm Parkinson put them further ahead with a wonderful goal from Michael Lawlor's ball over the top.

Meath sub John Cullinane was sent off soon after for stamping on Parkinson and Lawlor compounded the Royal County's agony with a late, late point.