Bergin goal seals Laois win over Kildare

Laois continued their winning start to Alliianz Hurling League Division 2A with victory over Kildare at Hawkfield.

Willie Maher's charges were pressed in the opening half but upped it considerably in the second half to win comfortably in the end.

Goals from James Duggan, Mark Dowling and Stephen Bergin proved crucial as Laois remain top of the table alongside Carlow.

Kildare played with the breeze in the first half and despite playing the better hurling, only took a one point lead at half time.

They led by five points at one stage but Laois pegged them back and only a late Cian Boran score prevented the sides from going in level.

Martin Phelan initially put Laois ahead but Simon Lacey quickly levelled things before James Burke and Conan Boran pointed.

Paddy Purcell replied but Kildare took control from the seventh minute and hit four in a row.

James Burke and Jack Sheridan landed a brace each as Kildare went 0-07 to 0-02 ahead after 12 minutes.

Stephen Maher, Podge Delaney and Jer Quinlan brought Laois back into the game but Sheridan replied with another brace by the 21st minute.

Laois dug in and scored three long range frees, two from keeper Enda Rowland on his 101st appearance, and one from Maher to leave one between them again.Sheridan and Jer Quinlan traded points before the excellent Sheridan hit three more to take his first half tally to eight.

Martin Phelan and Maher replied and then the sides were level as we headed for injury time when Mark Dowling was fouled and Maher pointed again.

But Kildare deserved to take a lead at half time and they did when Cian Boran pointed from distance - 0-14 to 0-13.

Laois started the second half well as Tom Cuddy levelled it and then Stephen Maher put them ahead.

Kildare had a great goal