Laois defender Greg Ramsbottom had the final say at Scotstown yesterday, firing over the winning point one minute from time. Ramsbottom had actually been substituted 10 minutes previously but was reintroduced within five minutes to leave his mark on proceedings.

The Leinster side were sharper in the opening half and led by 0-7 to 0-4 at half time, Damien Delaney, Stephen Kelly and Michael Lawlor contributing two points apiece, with one from Brian McDonald. Monaghan, who relied exclusively on Declan Smith for their first half scores knuckled down to the task better in in the second-half and a point after only 20 seconds by Paul O'Connor lifted home spirits. The introduction of substitute Mark Daly made a difference to the Monaghan attack and Daly fisted over the bar to put the home side a point in front at 0-11 to 0-10 with five minutes remaining. Laois responded and levelled through Damien Delaney two minutes later before Ramsbottom supplied the winning score.

LAOIS: F Byron; G Ramsbottom (0-1), E Delaney, P Conway; P Kelly, D Conroy, J Higgins; P Clancy, J Murphy; N Garvan, H Emerson, M Lawlor (0-3); S Kelly (0-3), D Delaney (0-4), B McDonald (0-1). Subs: D Rooney for J Murphy, P Dunne for M Lawlor, A Phelan for G Ramsbottom, D Sweeney for P Clancy, G Ramsbottom for P Conway. MONAGHAN: D McCarville; G McQuaid, D McDermott, D Duffy; P Coyle, R Treacy, D McArdle; C McCaul (0-1), R Ronaghan; D Smith (0-6), D Freeman, D Clerkin; P Rice, P O'Connor (0-2), D Swift (0-1). Subs: M Daly (0-1) for P Rice, C Ronaghan for D Clerkin, G Meehan for D Freeman, P McKenna for P Coyle, S McManus for G Meehan.

Referee: R Doone (Antrim).