Late Kingston free sees Laois over the line against Tipperary to continue winning run

The Laois footballers have cemented their place at the top of Division 4 with a one-point victory over Tipperary in today's Round 4 contest in Semple Stadium. It now means Laois have won their first four games of the campaign and have eight points from eight in the division.

Laois 0-11

Tipperary 1-7

It took four minutes for the first white flag to be raised as Laois captain Evan O'Carroll slotted the ball over off his weaker left-foot. Tipperary's Jack Kennedy got the home side's first score after a slack pass from Seamus Lacey left Laois goalkeeper Killian Roche in no man's land and Tipperary broke to raise a white flag.

The next score would be a goal for Tipperary as Sean O'Connor drilled the ball low and hard past Roche to give his side an early advantage. James Kelly was the maker of the next Laois score as his pass found O'Carroll who pointed the resulting mark. Jack Kennedy added to his earlier goal with a point from a free.

Laois took control of the game then as they prevented Tipperary from scoring for the remainder of the half while also firing over four scores to take the lead. Damon Larkin pointed over his shoulder while O'Carroll added to his tally with a free. Mark Barry and Shaun Fitzpatrick got Laois' next two points before Tipperary rattled the Laois crossbar. Mark Stokes' effort went through a couple of bodies before striking the Roche's crossbar. Laois went into half-time with a single point advantage, 0-8 to 1-4.

Tipperary ended their 23-minute drought without a score as Sean O'Connor pointed to level the sides. Brian Byrne and Jack Kennedy (free) traded scores before Laois pushed themselves a point ahead thanks to Shaun Fitzpatrick. Tipperary were awarded a harsh penalty as Kevin Swayne was adjudged to have fouled Mark Stokes. Sean O'Connor stepped up but Roche got down well to save his effort. Laois were dealt another huge blow as captain Evan O'Carroll received a black card in the 46th minute.

The home side took full advantage of the extra man as they kicked the next three scores courtesy of Riain Quigley and two points from O'Connor to give Tipperary a two-point lead, 1-7 to 0-8. Roche was called into action yet again for Laois as he saved well from Peter McGarry.

Laois showed their class late on as substitute Kieran Lillis, Evan O'Carroll and Paul Kingston (free) pushed Laois a point up with four minutes of added time to play. Laois held on in the end to make it four wins from a four with London set to come to Portlaoise next weekend in Round 5.