Laois stay in top flight

Laois 1-16 Down 1-12

Laois hurlers guaranteed their NHL Division One status for another season at home to Down today, as substitute Damien Culleton struck a vital 48th-minute goal.

Paudie Butler's side, who drew last week in Antrim, fended off the best that Down could throw at them - mainly Martin Coulter's nine frees - to lead 0-11 to 1-05 at the break.

James Walsh, Seamus O'Dwyer and Tommy Fiztgerald opened the midlanders' account before Paul Braniff - who started his first game in 12 months last week after knee surgery - pointed Down's first score.

Coulter added another only moment before burly forward Gareth Johnson sallied through to fire to the Laois net on 13 minutes.

James Young (0-03), Culleton, Walsh and Liam Tynan - who had a goal chance stopped on the Down line - pointed as Butler's charges overhauled Down.

Coulter narrowed the gap back to two points, but Culleton's goal - walked in after a rebound from a Tommy Fitzgerald shot - helped settle the issue.