Laois let six-point lead slip at death against Offaly

The Laois senior footballers let a six-point lead slip as they drew with Offaly in O'Moore Park.

Billy Sheehan’s charges led 1-11 to 0-08 with 67 minutes on the clock but Offaly scored 1-03 in the time that remained to comeback and draw.

It was heartbreaking for Laois who played so well for so long but the way they finished will haunt them, as they did all the hard work to win the game.

Substitute Nigel Bracken was Offaly’s hero as he kicked the final two points of the game to secure the draw for them.

Laois won the throw in and immediately pointed from a Paul Kingston mark which set the tone for their best half of football under Billy Sheehan.

They set up with a defensive structure that completely frustrated Offaly and reduced them to just seven shots in total.

Dylan Hyland levelled matters for Offaly but Laois would go on to kick the next four scores. Kingston and Mark Barry scored while the excellent Damon Larkin slotted a quickfire brace.

Laois should really have been further in front too as they would finish the half with seven wides in comparison to Offaly's one.

Offaly did hit back via Nigel Dunne and Anton Sullivan but Laois remained ahead thanks to defenders Paddy O’Sullivan and Mark Timmons.

Ciaran Donnelly and Colm Murphy then traded efforts before Laois finished the half with a goal.

Murphy’s long-range effort for a point dropped short but was fumbled by Offaly keeper Ian Duffy and Kieran Lillis pounced to score.

Offaly made two changes at half-time and came out with renewed vigour as Dylan Hyland instantly reduced the gap with a score from 50 metres and then another from close range.

Laois replied via Mark Barry in the 43rd minute and then the Laois keeper made a massive save five minutes later.

A Laois free went wrong