Laois 1-10Longford 0-11A SECOND-half goal from 17-year-old Donie Kingston proved crucial for Laois as they secured a two-point win over Longford at Pearse Park on Saturday evening.

Kingston finished up with 1-3 to his credit, the crucial goal coming in the 55th minute after good work by Billy Sheehan. Shortly after the game, Luke Dempsey announced he was stepping down as Longford manager after four years at the helm.

There was never anything between the sides in the first half and a free from Michael Tierney before the break gave Laois a 0-5 to 0-4 interval lead.

Points from Brian Kavanagh and Paul Barden edged Longford ahead 0-8 to 0-6 midway through the second half but Kingston's goal proved the key turning point.

LAOIS:M Nolan; C Healy, D Rooney, C Ryan; P O'Leary, T Kelly (0-1), P McMahon; B Quigley (0-1), J O'Loughlin; R Munnelly (0-1), B Brennan (0-1), B McCormack; M Tierney (0-3, three frees), C Parkinson, D Kingston (1-3, one free). Subs: B Sheehan for Munnelly (50 mins); C Kelly for Tierney (58 mins); P Lawlor for Parkinson (66 mins); D Murphy for O'Leary (70 mins).

LONGFORD:D Sheridan; N Farrell, C Conefrey, D Brady; S Mulligan, D Masterson, D Reilly; L Keenan, P Dowd (0-2); P Berry, P Barden (0-2), D. Farrell; F McGee (0-4, one free), A O'Connor, B Kavanagh (0-3, two frees). Subs: K Mulligan for D Farrell (46 mins), P Foy for Berry (63 mins).

Referee:T Quigley (Dublin).