Laois hoping to ignite Tailteann Cup ambitions with victory over Offaly

The Laois footballers come into this weekend's game against Offaly hoping to register their first points in this year's Tailteann Cup following their first-round loss to Cavan in Breffni Park last weekend.

Billy Sheehan's side can't really afford to lose as it would leave them facing into the London game with

a sense of not knowing exactly what is needed. However, a win for Laois over Offaly would provide them with the chance of finishing second as they would prevail over Offaly on the head-to-head rule should it come down to it. 

Laois' first-half performance would have given Sheehan a good understanding of where the team is at as they led for the first 25 minutes of the game before Cavan were awarded a dubious penalty to go ahead, a lead which they would never relinquish.

The game against Cavan saw Laois change around a few players with Killian Roche starting between the Laois sticks while James Finn and Cathal Doyle slotted into the half-forward line. All three players have retained their place in the side for this weekend with Seamus Lacey unlucky not to have kept his place for the Offaly game.

Laois football team announced for Tailteann Cup contest against Offaly

Laois will need to up their performance levels across the 70 minutes if they are to send Offaly back across the border with a defeat. Offaly come into the game off the back of a victory against London. It wasn't a vintage Offaly performance as they won out by nine points with Laois also losing to Cavan by the same margin to leave the group finally poised.

The game throws-in at 7.00pm on Saturday May 20 in Laois Hire O'Moore Park and tickets for the contest can be purchased here. Tickets can also be obtaining by visiting your local Supervalu/Centra store.