Courtwood also had to play parts of the game with 14 players.
Getting a draw in the end was a positive result.
That's the view of Courtwood manager Mark Bates following his side's 2-12 to 1-15 draw with Portarlington in the Laois Football Final on Sunday.
Despite playing parts of the game with 14 men, Courtwood almost claimed a first title with Paul O'Flynn and Alan Kinsella getting their side's two goals.
They'll have a second chance to win the title in two weeks in a replay.
Bates says his team showed great character to force an extra game:
Mark Bates spoke to the media following the final whistle:
Coverage with thanks to Laois Leisure, Portarlington and Portlaoise Immerse yourself in our 25-metre swimming pools, sauna, steamroom and gym - Contact Laois leisure today - Laois Leisure Working towards a Healthier Community
Tullamore Town FC Ready For Red Letter Weekend
Busy Bank Holiday Weekend In Store For Athlone Town
Big Weekend Ahead In Leinster Minor And U20 Hurling Championships
Leinster SFC: Opportunity Beckons For Westmeath
Westmeath Footballer Luke Loughlin Ruled Out For Remainder Of Season
Laois And Westmeath Battle For Place In Leinster LGFA Decider
Alex Dunne Set For Action In Miami This Weekend
Fundraising Walk Planned For Westmeath Man Left Paralysed In Freak Accident
Shane Lowry In Action In Miami This Week
Westmeath Secure Leinster Minor Football Quarter Final
CCFL: Two Draws In Senior Division
Potential Hometown Fight On The Cards For Joe Ward
Ava O'Connor Breaks Personal Steeplechase Record
Laois Fixture In Two Weeks A "Massive Game" - Kevin O'Brien
Camross Camogie Honoured In Laois Following Historic All-Ireland Triumph
Athlone Town Secure Vital Win In Women's Premier Division
Laois And Westmeath To Clash In Leinster Camogie Decider
Leinster SHC: Offaly Suffer First Defeat Away To Galway
Draw Made For First Round Of Tailteann Cup
Offaly Soccer Club Opens Doors To All With Football For All Initiative