Division One Relegation Section/ Antrim 1-18 Laois 3-12: A hotly disputed free two minutes into injury time gave Antrim a share of the spoils at Casement Park yesterday.

A Laois defender was pulled for a "throw ball" and despite protests referee Gerard Devlin held firm.

Karl McKeegan tapped the ball over the bar for a draw which was no more than the home side deserved as they had controlled the action for long periods, particularly during the first half at the end of which they led 1-10 to 1-3.

Antrim opened well but were caught cold for Laois's first goal in the 13th minute as full forward Mark Rooney steered a James Young 65 to the net. McKeegan levelled and three long-range points from Paddy Richmond put the home side in charge.

Two minutes into the second half Rooney grabbed his and Laois's second goal. Antrim continued to control the play before star Laois man Young, with four points, hit a purple patch.

With five minutes left Liam Tynan hit another goal for Laois and Cathal Brophy pointed before McKeegan's intervention.

ANTRIM: Damian Quinn; C Hamill, K Kelly, M Kettle; M McCambridge, J Campbell, G Bell; M Scullion, P Richmond (0-3); M Herron (0-6, three frees), K Stewart (0-1), K McKeegan (1-5, three frees); Darren Quinn, M Magill, B Quinn (0-2) Subs: J McIntosh (0-1) for Darren Quinn (33 mins), J Connolly for Magill (49 mins), C McGuckin for McIntosh (67 mins).

LAOIS: K Galvin; P Campion, P Cuddy, M McEvoy; J Fitzpatrick, S Dwyer, P Mahon; J Young (0-6, three frees), J Walsh (0-1); J Phelan (0-1), J Rowney (0-1), C Coonan; L Tynan (1-1), M Rooney (2-0), T Fitzgerald (0-1). Subs: D Rooney for Mahon (6 mins), C Healy for Fitzpatrick (half-time), C Brophy (0-1) for Coonan (59 mins), E Jackman for M Rooney (59 mins).

Referee: G Devlin (Armagh).