PREVIEW: Laois chasing first Division 3 victory on the road against Wexford

The Laois senior footballers make the trip to Wexford Park on Saturday evening with plenty already at stake as they face Wexford in Round 2 of the Allianz Football League Division 3.

Justin McNulty’s side will be keen to build on last weekend’s opening-round draw against Limerick, a game in which Laois did much right but ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils. A 73rd-minute point from substitute Niall Corbet proved crucial, rescuing a draw after Limerick had edged ahead moments earlier through a two-point free from Eliah Riordan.

In truth, Laois dominated large spells of that contest and controlled most facets of the game, but their inability to extend a narrow lead proved costly. They never managed to pull more than three points clear and spurned several goal chances that would have put daylight between the sides. Those missed opportunities allowed Limerick to hang in, and when they briefly moved ahead late on, it looked as if Laois might be left empty-handed before Corbet’s timely intervention.

Wexford, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after an impressive away victory over Fermanagh in Enniskillen. The Slaneysiders were one of the standout teams in Division 4 last year, earning promotion alongside Limerick after an unbeaten league campaign that stretched all the way to the final in Croke Park, where they were eventually denied silverware by the Treaty men. Their opening-round win suggests they have carried that momentum into Division 3.

Recent history, however, will give Laois plenty of encouragement. The sides have crossed paths regularly in recent seasons, with Laois holding the upper hand on each occasion. They defeated Wexford in both the league and Leinster Championship in 2023, recorded a comprehensive 10-point win in Wexford Park during their Division 4-winning campaign in 2024, and once again came out on top when the teams met in the Leinster Championship in 2025.

Despite that positive record, Laois know this is a pivotal fixture. With the two promoted Division 4 sides faced in the opening rounds, a victory on Saturday is vital if promotion to Division 2 is to remain a realistic target. Conversely, defeat would leave Laois in a precarious position early in the campaign, with sterner tests still to come.

All signs point to a competitive encounter under the lights, with both teams eager to make an early statement in Division 3.

Laois v Wexford throws-in at 6pm on Saturday, January 31. You can follow the action on the Leinster Express/ Laois Live's free live blog on Saturday evening.