Laois 2-24

Antrim 1-19

Laois are in pole position to reach the Joe McDonagh Cup final after a strong first half showing laid the foundations for their second victory in as many weeks against Antrim at O'Moore Park.

Mark Kavanagh posted 0-7 (0-6 from placed balls), but goalkeeper Enda Rowland was the standout performer for Eddie Brennan's side after he saved a first half penalty from Neil McManus and also sent over three long range frees. The hosts, who won away to Offaly in the first round, made the most of wind advantage in the opening half to take a 2-13 to 0-9 lead into the break and the result never looked in any doubt after that.

With Kavanagh, Cha Dwyer, Jack Kelly and Rowland hitting points and Paddy Purcell grabbing the opening goal after 10 minutes, Laois wasted no time in stamping their authority on proceedings. Ryan McCambridge and McManus replied with scores for the Saffrons, but their hopes were dealt a blow when the latter had his penalty saved by Rowland midway through the half. 

Dwyer and Keelan Molloy traded points thereafter before Paddy Purcell teed up Willie Dunphy for a second goal which gave the hosts a 10-point cushion at half-time.

Aaron Dunphy and Rowland extended their home side's advantage after the restart before points from McManus, Molloy, McCambridge and Ciaran Clarke left it 0-15 to 2-19 with 15 minutes remaining.

The Ulster outfit were handed a lifeline when McManus drove a 20-metre free to the net with 10 minutes to go, but their fate was sealed when Ryan McCambridge was shown a second yellow card in the 65th minute. 

Laois - E Rowland (0-3f); D Hartnett, M Whelan (0-1), J Phelan; P Delaney, R Mullaney, L Cleere; J Lennon (0-1), J Kelly (0-2); C Dwyer (0-5), W Dunphy (1-0), P Purcell (1-0); M Kavanagh (0-7, 6f); E Lyons, R King (0-1). Subs: A Dunphy (0-2) for E Lyons, C Phelan (0-1) for J Lennon, S Bergin (0-1) for P Delaney, E Gaughan for R King, E Killeen for L Cleere.

Antrim - R Elliott; S Rooney, J Dillon, P Duffin; P Burke (0-1), C Boyd, M Donnelly; N McManus (1-3), N McKeague; J McNaughton (0-3), R McCambridge (0-4), K Molloy (0-3); C Clarke (0-2), C McCann, E O'Neill (0-2). Subs: D Kearney (0-1) for M Donnelly, N Elliott for N McKeague.

Referee - P Murphy.

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