Kehoe the hero for Carlow

Carlow 0-20 Laois 2-10

Paudie Kehoe top scored with 0-08 as Carlow edged past Laois to claim their first win in Allianz NHL Division 2 in Portlaoise.

The visitors, who led by 0-15 to 2-03 at half-time, withstood a determined second half challenge from Laois.

Craig Doyle (0-05) was one of Carlow's heroes in a game which saw him claim all of his scores from open play.

Although Carlow eventually won out, it was Laois who made the better start at O'Moore Park.

Brendan Fennelly's side had a third minute goal from Neil Foyle for the opening score of the game.

However, Carlow responded impressively with eight unanswered points. Kehoe and Doyle found their range during that spell.

Carlow continued to make full use of their strong wind advantage, but John Brophy netted Laois' second goal to cut the deficit to 0-14 to 2-01.

Laois outscored Carlow by two points to one in the closing stages of the half, and continued to perform strongly on the restart.

The O'Moore men added three points without reply in the opening stages of the second half, but Carlow had enough in their armoury to hold on for victory.