NHL DIVISION TWO Laois 0-20 Down 1-11:LAOIS MAINTAINED their promotion drive following a six-point victory at St Patrick's Park, Portaferry yesterday.
Laois can thank the superb free-taking of corner forward Willie Hyland – who scored eight from placed balls – and centre back Matthew Whelan, who slotted over three long-range frees.
Laois led at half-time, 0-12 to 0-3. Down matched their opponents in the second half, but the visitors finished well ahead.
LAOIS: E Reilly; C Dunne, D Maher, B Stapelton; JA Delaney, M Whelan (0-3, all frees), C Healy; M McEvoy (0-2), J Walsh (0-1); E Costello (0-2), J Rowney, J Fitzpatrick (0-1); T Fitzgerald, N Foyle (0-2), W Hyland (0-9, eight frees). Subs: Z Keenan for J Rowney (45 mins); J Prior for D Maher (49); J Purcell for J Fitzpatrick (55); J Dunne for T Fitzgerald (72).
DOWN: K Keating; L Clarke, S Murray, S Ennis; P Hughes, R McGrattan, M Ennis; A Savage (0-1), C Coulter; C O'Prey, G Johnson (1-3, 0-1 from a free), B Ennis (0-2); J Coyle (0-3, one free), C Woods (0-2), S Clarke. Subs: K McGarry for C Coulter (41 mins); D Flynn for S Clarke (60); E Clarke for C O'Prey (65).
Referee: T Carroll(Offaly).
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