Waterford eventually come good to see off gallant Laois

Waterford turned in a powerful second-half performance to pick up their first win of this season's Allianz Hurling League campaign, eventually pulling clear of a brave Laois challenge at O’Moore Park.

Waterford, who’d drawn with Dublin in the opening game, were dealt a blow when corner-forward Michael Kiely was red-carded after just five minutes for an off-the-ball incident.

Laois had led 0-02 to 0-01 at the time after early points from debutant Ian Shanahan and a long-range free from goalkeeper Enda Rowland.

But Waterford got three in a row after Kiely’s dismissal, all three coming from newcomer Padraig Fitzgerald.

The Kilrossanty youngster would proceed to hit seven points for Waterford in the opening half though there was never much between the sides as Paddy Purcell, Aaron Dunphy (two), Ryan Mullaney, Jack Kelly and Stephen Maher all hit points for Laois.

Waterford did go four clear in the 27th minute when Neil Montgomery fired home a goal but it was cancelled out three minutes later when Martin Phelan passed to clubmate Ryan Mullaney who finished smartly past Billy Nolan.

Still, Jack Prendergast and Mark Fitzgerald hit the target for the visitors and they led 1-10 to 1-9 at the break.

Laois lost their numerical advantage seven minutes into the second half when Aidan Corby was red-carded for a high challenge on Neil Montgomery.

Laois did strike for a goal three minutes later when Ryan Mullaney got his second and their dander was still up moments later when Martin Phelan pointed.

But the key moment arrived when Dessie Hutchinson goaled in the 48th minute and points from Austin Gleeson, Montgomery and two from Jack Prendergast had Waterford in control as we entered the final quarter.

They outscored Laois by 0-17 to 0-5 in that