Laois started the year impressively with a 2-14, 1-14 win over Dublin in Portlaoise.

This was an excellent beginning to Teddy McCarthy's reign in the midlands, beating the side that Laois want to emulate (albeit with Anthony Daly's side severely depleted).

The match was switched from Rathdowney to O'Moore Park as the former venue was deemed unplayable due to a deluge of rain, but the Portlaoise pitch was also heavy and unforgiving.

Tommy Fitzgerald recorded both goals for the winners, for whom Willie Hyland was very impressive from placed balls.

It was 1-8 to 0-6 in favour of the winners at the break, following an impressive first half from Laois. The opening goal was struck in the 32nd minute by Fitzgerald, who collected Hyland's sideline cut before despatching in style.

Laois led by 0-3 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. Ryan O'Dwyer opened the scoring for Dublin before Willie Dunphy and new Dubs midfielder Shane Stapleton swapped points. Hyland then floated over a brace as the hosts took some great points from distance.

Teddy McCarthy's men continued to impress and they led by 0-7 to 0-5 after 28 minutes, with some great play all over the soggy field. Stapleton and Hyland drilled over sublime first-half scores at either end.

Fitzgerald hit his second goal just after the resumption. When John Brophy pointed, it was 2-9 to 0-6, but Dublin rallied back with a flurry of scores, including points from Stapleton, O'Dwyer, Eamon Dillon and captain Johnny McCaffrey. Shane Ryan and Joey Boland also impressed for the visitors.

The Dubs closed the gap to three but Laois hit four more points and Alan McCrabbe's goal ensured an exciting finish. Tweet

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