Laois find it easy against Wexford

Laois 4-18
Wexford 1-19

For the first time in four years Laois have got the better of Wexford in a competitive fixture. At Abbeyleix on Sunday the Laois men could hardly believe the ease with which they got past last year's beaten All-Ireland quarter-finalists.

The two teams had recorded comfortable victories over UCD in the earlier rounds but this was expected to be a lively challenge for both as they prepare for the start of the national league in three weeks’ time.

Laois opened the scoring with a point by Neil Foyle but newcomer Benny Barron replied almost immediately for Wexford.

Great shot

When Willie Hyland posted his second point Laois led by one but then a great shot by Kevin Foley was saved by the Laois goalkeeper but the same player followed up and made no mistake scoring a well-taken goal. Three minutes later Laois were back in front when PJ Scully hit a powerful shot to the Wexford net.

Wexford responded with three unanswered points before Shane Maher soloed past three Wexford defenders to slam the ball past the new Wexford goalkeeper but the sides were level again after 25 minutes.

Laois finished the half strongly adding five points before Ian Byrne and Joe Kelly responded with points leaving Laois in front 2-10 to 1-10 at the interval.

Wexford began the second half with good points including a brace by Ian Byrne to leave the sides all square after 45 minutes.

Laois then upped their game Hyland regained the lead followed by a brace of points by Matthew Whelan and a goal from PJ Scully to put daylight between the teams.

Laois piled on the scores including a third goal from PJ Scully and long before the final whistle Laois had secured a semi-final meeting with Dublin next Sunday.

LAOIS: E Rowland; J A Delaney, C Healy, C Dunne; J Fitzpatrick, M Whelan (0-2), C Stapleton; PJ Scully (3-1), J Walsh; W Hyland (0-4), J Campion (0-1), S Maher (1-6); B Conroy (0-1), T Fitzgerald, N Foyle (0-2). Subs: T Delaney for J Walsh (inj, half-time), D Palmer for C Stapleton (43 mins), J Purcell (0-1) for Conroy (50 mins), B Reddin for Fitzgerald (54 mins), B Stapleton for Foyle (58 mins).
WEXFORD: M Fanning; A Kenny, T Waters, E Moore; R Kehoe, P Foley, C Kenny; B Barron (0-2), G Sinnott; J Kelly (0-4), D Waters (0-1), I Byrne (0-3); C O'Shaughnessey (0-1), S Tompkins (0-3), K Foley (1-1). Subs: P Doran for O'Shaughnessey (half-time), P Morris (0-4) for Kehoe (46 mins), D Redmond for Barron (48 mins), W Deverux for Sinnott (48 mins), S O'Gorman for Kenny 55 mins). 
Referee: Peter Burke (Kilkenny).