Laois hold on to promotion hopes after nervy Antrim win

Laois are back in the hunt for promotion to Division 2 after victory over a 14-man Antrim this evening.

Justin McNulty's charges were six points down at one stage in the second half but battled back to win by two in the end.

It moves Laois onto six points and if they win their final two games against Clare and Fermanagh, they will certainly be in the mix to reach the league final.

The turning point in the game came in the 45th minute when Antrim corner back, Kavan Keenan, who was lucky to be still on the pitch at that time, was sent off.

The game was level at that stage and Laois used the numerical advantage well.

Laois made a good start to this one with points from Mark Barry and Niall Corbet but were rocked then by the concession of a goal.

Laois turned over the ball in attack when Seamus Lacey handled the ball on the ground.

Antrim broke quickly and with Killian Roche out of his goal, Conor Hand shot from the 45 and the bounce of the ball beat Simon Fingleton as he desperately scrambled to get back.

This lifted Antrim as Dominic McEnhill and Ryan McQuillan before the Ulster side didn't have three players up and Roche hit back with a two-point free.

Nevertheless, Antrim took over after that and kicked the next five points on the spin. McEnhill, Patrick McBride and Niall Burns scored before keeper Michael Byrne slotted a two-point free.

Laois did respond well after that though and battled back to reduce a six-point deficit to one by half time.

Niall Corbet was instrumental in this with three great points while Damon Larkin kicked two.

Dominic McEnhill kept Antrim in front though as they led 1-9 to 0-11 at half time.

Antrim started the second half with points from Conchuir Johnston and keeper Michael Byrne.

Laois replied through Niall