Laois Fail To Make Extra Man Advantage Pay Against Dublin

Saturday, 22 January 2022 19:41

They now look forward to the Allianz Football League in eight days.

Another fine work out for Laois against Dublin this afternoon, but no silverware.

It wasn't for the lack of endeavour but possibly a bit of naiveté in attack after Dessie Farrell's side were reduced to fourteen men in the 30th minute, John Small given his marching orders for a clear strike on full forward Evan O'Carroll.

O'Carroll to his credit had been a constant thorn in the Dublin defence up to that point and in the aftermath.

A real strong point for Laois during the O'Byrne Cup has been their full forward line and all three showed up once more. They scored 0-9 of Laois' 11-points and you can add a further point to that if you include Gary Walsh's score in the second half.

Dessie Farrell has a bit of a problem with the auld discipline on his hands. Was the reason some won't take to the pitch now it's why some won't stay on it. #GAA pic.twitter.com/D96UQBbYuO
— UnOfficialGaa (@UnOfficialGaa) January 22, 2022

The starting team had a bit more of a settled feel today and lasted much longer on the field of play. The first replacement was introduced in the 49th minute and the remaining six were spread out over the closing stages.

Billy Sheehan has done well since the Wexford game of getting plenty of minutes in the legs of his panel. They've picked up some injuries though and they'll be hoping the post match assessments don't show up more here.

The negatives would be the use of the extra man. Laois dropped an extra defender back and while it aided in stifling the Dublin attack, it stunted their ability to make use of the available space in attack. At a time when they'll have been emphasising to stretch the field, too many attacks were starting and ending up the middle.

All roads now lead to Ardee to face Mickey Harte's Louth in eight days time and the O'Moore County will enter that in good spirits.

Scoring - Laois:

Mark Barry 0-4, Evan O’Carroll 0-3, Sean Moore 0-2, Danny Bolger 0-1, Gary Walsh 0-1.