All-Ireland SFC qualifier: Laois get by Fermanagh

Fermanagh were the visitors to O’Moore Park on Saturday seeking only their second qualifier victory in eight years.

Laois opened the scoring with a point by Donie Kingston and if man of the match Seán Quigley was top scorer the Laois number 14 was not far behind and it was his display that ensured the home team will be in the draw for round two.

Pulled one back

Quigley equalised after three minutes but Laois went two up thanks to David Conway and Darren Strong. Quigley pulled one back but two points by Darren Strong saw Laois three in front.

Barry Owens and Ruairi Corrigan soon had the sides level before Kingston regained the lead after 27 minutes but Paul McCusker levelled matters and when Tommy McElroy floated a ball in to the square Owens flicked past the Laois net minder for the lead. Laois then hit three points without reply to leave the sides level at the interval, 0-9 to 1-6.

The second half saw the visitors go two points in front but a defensive error turned the game back in favour of Laois. Kingston saw his effort denied but when the goalkeeper failed to clear Billy Sheehan slammed home a Laois goal.

Fermanagh responded and when the Laois goalkeeper fouled an incoming forward the referee pointed to the spot and Quigley made no mistake.

That was as good as it got for the visitors although they hit two in a row to leave the minimum separating with time almost up but they could not muster an equaliser and Laois had Kingston black carded with time almost up.