Derry came out on top in the battle of the weakest links of Division 1B at Dungiven yesterday when they defeated Laois more comfortably than the four-point score-line suggests.

Apart from the final quarter when the visitors threw caution to the wind, Derry were always in control and a John O'Dwyer goal four minutes from half-time was the catalyst for victory.

Derry manager Kevin McNaughton said afterwards: "I felt we dominated for long periods with Emmett McKeever and John O'Dwyer outstanding. We had targeted this game since the start of the campaign and it's not just the result but the performance which pleased me.

"We can look forward to the remainder of the campaign, but today's performance shows that we are right on track to defend our Ulster title. Indeed, a repeat of today's showing would nearly be good enough to achieve that."

Both sides traded points early on with neither establishing a clear lead until the 26th minute when Olly Collins pointed to put Derry 0-8 to 0-6 ahead.

At this stage the home side had the bit between their teeth and a further Collins point was followed by Derry's only goal. A long puck forward from Collins was latched on to by O'Dwyer who turned and thumped his shot to the roof of the net to send Derry in at the break leading comfortably, 1-10 to 0-6.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Laois came out more determined and reduced the leeway thanks to the accuracy of David Cuddy from frees.

However, as the game entered its final quarter, Derry again assumed control and points from Collins, Gregory Biggs and O'Dwyer put them nine points clear.

Laois made several changes at this stage and one of the replacements, Colm Clear, brought them back into the game with a goal following a scramble in the Derry square. However, despite a late salvo with points from David Cuddy and Paul Cuddy, it was too little, too late for the visitors.

Derry: K Stevenson; E McKeever, C Murray, R Lynch; P Kelly, C McEldowney, B Ward; R McCloskey, M Conway; G Biggs (0-3), K McKeever, O Collins (0-7); F McEldowney, M Collins (0-2), J O'Dwyer (1-4). Subs: S McCartney for Ward (half-time); D McGrellis for F McEldowney (half-time); R Kennedy for K McKeever (67 mins).

Laois: K Calvin; D Killeen, S Dooley, J O'Sullivan; P Mahon, P Cuddy (0-2), R Delaney; D Conroy (0-1), N Rigney (0-2); C Cuddy (0-1), D Cuddy (0-5), F O'Sullivan (0-1); P J Peacock, J Young, A Coffey. Subs: D Conroy for Coffey (45 mins); C Clear for Peacock (45 mins); S Cuddy for Delaney (56 mins).

Referee: T McIntyre (Antrim).