Galway have taken a two-point advantage in the National Hurling League in Portlaoise this evening but they haven’t had things their own way against a gallant Laois who have put it up to the All-Ireland champions.
A few pictures from our Guard of Honour for the @CLGLaois and @Galway_GAA Senior Hurling teams. Thanks to Laois GAA for the opportunity to welcome the All-Ireland Champions to O' Moore Park. Fingers crossed now our senior team can make it an uncomfortable evening from here. pic.twitter.com/d8xcgyzGms
— CNmBLaoise (@laoiscnmb) February 3, 2018
Two Conor Whelan goals at both ends of the 35-minute period have Micheal Donoghue’s team ahead but the O’Moore Men will be disappointed they did manage a sizeable cushion.
Galway got their first goal after just two minutes when Davy Glennon took possession, turned and picked out Whelan who hit the net. But the next four points went Laois’ way as Eric Killeen opened before three Ross King scores.
Aidan Harte levelled from a tight angle on 11 minutes as the Tribesmen enjoyed a purple patch with Glennon and Padraig Brehony making it 1-3 to 0-4 on the quarter hour.
However, Laois refused to relent as King brought his tally to five and Willie Dunphy split the posts before Conor Cooney equalised with a Galway free. But Dunphy again and King had Laois 0-9 to 1-4 ahead on 28 minutes.
A physical contest wasn’t without its heated moments and both teams went down to 14 men. Greg Lally received a straight red card for Galway while the hosts also lost James Ryan for a second yellow.
Goalkeeper Enda Rowland stretched Laois’ margin to three in injury time but Galway finished with a flourish getting 1-2 before the whistle.
Glennon was involved again along with Brehony as Whelan finished for his second major. Padraic Mannion and Joseph Cooney added minors to give Galway the edge but they have work to do to ensure they pick up a second successive win.
Here are your @CLGLaois and @Galway_GAA teams in tonight's match programme. Stapleton, Hartnett, Corby and Dunphy drafted into starting team for Laois. pic.twitter.com/0A7IPQ3TrZ
— LeinsterExpressSport (@Express_Sport) February 3, 2018
Scorers:
Galway – Conor Whelan 2-0, Aidan Harte 0-1, Davy Glennon 0-1, Padraig Brehony 0-1, Conor Cooney 0-1, Padraic Mannion 0-1, Joseph Cooney 0-1
Laois – Ross King 0-6, Willie Dunphy 0-2, Eric Killeen 0-1, Enda Rowland 0-1
