The remnants of Derry's disappointing Ulster Championship form was still very much in evidence as they had to battle for a hard-earned win over Laois at Breffni Park, Cavan, on Saturday evening.

A crowd of over 4,000 watched a close encounter, but Laois fans will feel somewhat aggrieved that their team allowed Derry off the hook, particularly in the second half when they enjoyed good spells of dominance.

Derry's experience proved the vital factor and in particular the performance of full forward Enda Muldoon. He scored what proved to be the match-winning goal six minutes from half time to give Derry an interval lead of 1-4 to 0-4.

With football very scrappy, only eight scores were registered in the second half with Derry's forwards guilty of a total of 12 wides while Laois contributed 10.

Manager Eamonn Coleman, watching from the stands due to a suspension, saw his team in better shape with Kevin McCloy and Sean Martin Lockhart back in the defence and Anthony Tohill being joined by Fergal Doherty at midfield.

However, it was thanks to the outstanding performance of Muldoon which gave Derry this vital win. His best support came from Gavin Diamond and Patrick Bradley.

Laois had their moments but lacked real conviction and attack. Despite the best efforts of Noel Garvan at midfield and Chris Conway, and second-half substitute Greg Ramsbottom, there was precious little penetration in attack.