Goalkeeper Roche leads the way as Laois open with a win

Laois got their Division 4 campaign underway with a valuable home win over Longford at Laois Hire O'Moore Park.

Goalkeeper Killian Roche was sensational as he kicked five points in total, with his new roaming role resulting in three of those from play.

His midfielder Damon Larkin was similarly excellent as he held the dangerous Darren Gallagher scoreless from play and kicked 1-2 himself.

The O’Moore men played with a gale force wind in the first half and kicked the first three scores in the opening 12 minutes.

Roche raised the roof when he landed the first from play off his left in front of the stand, while scores from Damon Larkin and Evan O'Carroll, from 50 metres out, soon followed.

Longford grew into it though and retained possession for long spells before striking back.

Ryan Moffett got the first after a misplaced pass by Laois in defence and then Cathal McCabe cut the gap to one in the 18th minute.

That would actually be Longford's final score of the half, but they did create the clearest goal opportunity.

A long ball in was won by Jayson Matthews and that left him one on one with Roche, but the Killeshin man dived the right way and saved his effort.

The hosts finished the half well with Roche and Larkin pointing before O'Carroll landed two late frees to leave them with a 0-7 to 0-2 interval lead.

Laois almost had a goal when play resumed, but Niall Corbet's shot was blocked and Longford countered where Joe Hagan punched over.

Roche replied with another sensational point from play but a Darren Gallagher free left four between them after 42 minutes.

And that would be back to one by the 46th minute when Longford were awarded a penalty.

Longford pounced on a wayward Laois kick, where Cathal McCabe was eventually fouled by Seamus