Fermanagh will count themselves very unlucky not to have at least got a share of the points at Portlaoise yesterday, having dominated for most of the game. They began the first half with two quick points, before Laois, through Danny Doogue, Ian Fitzgerald and Michael Lawlor gained a hold on the game and pushed into the lead. But Fermanagh ended the half with three excellent points by Colin Curran which helped them into a 0-7 to 0-6 lead at the break.

Laois dominated the opening quarter of the second half, with David Sweeney kicking two good points from play. A third by Jack Murphy left the home side ahead 0-9 to 0-7 with eight minutes remaining. The visitors threw everything into attack in the remaining minutes, but their only reward was a point from Curran.

Laois: F Byron; J O'Reilly, E Delaney, G Doyle; D Conroy, J Bolton, D Lalor; D Sweeney (0-2), N Garvan (0-1); I Fitzgerald (0-2), M Lawlor (0-1), J Murphy (0-1); D Doogue (0-1), H Emerson, D Rooney (0-1). Sub: K Fitzpatrick for D Rooney.

Fermanagh: R Gallagher; S Breen, R McEnhill, P McGuinness; J Gilheaney, B King, T Callaghan; P Brewster, L McBaron; T Brewster (0-1), C Curren (0-5), R Johnson; R Gallagher, K Donnelly (0-1), S King (0-1).

Referee: B Power (Waterford).