Kildare topple Laois

Kildare 0-18 Laois 1-08

John Doyle (0-06) top-scored for Kildare as Kieran McGeeney’s charges had seven points to spare over neighbours Laois in NFL Division 2 at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Despite the convincing look of the final score-line, Kildare were on the back-foot in the first half with 10 wides, as Laois led by 1-04 to 0-06 at the interval.

The only goal of the contest arrived in the 17th minute, as Donie Brennan quickly fed the ball to Brendan Quigley who blasted to the net.

A leg injury to half-back Rory Stapleton gave Laois plenty of concern and in the second half they were placed under huge pressure in defence.

Kildare ran rampant with the likes of Doyle and Eamonn Callaghan (0-04) continuing to eat into Laois’ advantage.

The Lillywhites eventually went in front 12 minutes into the second half thanks to a well taken score from veteran midfielder Dermot Earley.

Kildare continued to press and Laois failed to score in the final 12 minutes of this game as the visitors added five-points without reply to finish seven-point winners.