Kerry Secure Vital Points In Hard-Fought Battle At Portlaoise

National Football League
Kerry 0-16
Laois 0-12

By Dermot Kavanagh

Kerry, with Darragh O'Shea back in action secured two valuable points with this hard fought win over a determined Laois at Portlaoise on Saturday.

In wet and windy conditions this was an enthralling game. Laois made light of their bottom of the table league position and pushed Kerry all the way. If Kerry's free taker Bryan Sheehan had not been in such accurate form (he scored 10 points 6 frees) it is doubtful if they would have prevailed.

Such was Laois's commitment that despite playing against the elements in the opening half they were only 0.8 to 0.5 in arrears at half-time. However try as they did in the second half Laois were never able to convert their possession into scores and thus Kerry were always in the lead. One wonders, however if Tierney had been able to convert a 64th minute penalty would Laois have been able to (at least) salvage a draw. Their effort deserved at least that.

Galway 3-9
Derry 0-13

The maxim that "goals win matches" was once again confirmed at Galway as the home side went to the top of the League table by virtue of this impressive win over a competitive Derry.

In a game of a very high quality Galway's ability to make practically early scoring opportunity count was the main difference between the sides. Also of major significance was the fact that all of Galway's forwards contributed to their score line whereas only three of Derry's attack got their names on the score sheet.

Another major factor in Galway's win was the contribution of Padraic Joyce was superb throughout leading the attack with intelligence and composure. Contrast Joyce's contribution with that of Derry's Paddy Bradley, a player who is normally his teams chief scorer and leader. On Sunday Bradley was totally eclipsed and was legitimately held scoreless.

Galway were very impressive throughout. They have enough talented footballers to comfortably alternate between the long ball and the short passing game as the occasion demands. At present they look the most likely threat to Kerry.

Full credit to Derry. They suffered 3 body blows with each of Galway's goals, but each time they replied with excellent points. They were simply outscored by a team in full flight, and in having lost they have nothing to be ashamed of.

Tyrone 0-11
Donegal 0-9

Survival continued apace with this hard earned home win over League champions Donegal. By virtue of this win Tyrone move to a mid table position and with two games remaining away to Derry and at home to Mayo they could yet figure in the knockout stages.

This game contained all the elements that make games between Ulster teams so compelling. ~Close marking, robust defending and hard tackling were the order of the day. Nonetheless the game was played in a good spirit.

There was never much between the sides and Tyrone's half time lead of 0.6 to 0.5 just about reflected the trend of the game. The second half was similar and with only 8 minutes remaining the scores stood at 0.9 apiece. Tyrone, with McGinley and Holmes dominant at midfield, finished the strongest enabling McGuigan and McGinley to shoot the winning points.

Mayo 2-14
Kildare 2-9

After ten minutes of this game at Newbridge Kildare looked the most likely winners. They engaged a lead of 1.3 to no score for Mayo. Thereafter a fade out of alarming proportions overtook the Kildare men, allowed Mayo to outscore them for the remainder of the half by 2.9 to 0.3.

The second half was a non event as Kildare gave no indication that they were wither willing or able to turn things around. That their second half goal and one of their points came in the final minutes of the game illustrates the paucity of their efforts. On Sundays form they will not relish next weeks trip to face Kerry in Tralee.

Mayo were very impressive and they will surely rue their poor start to the league where they had gathered only 1 point from 3 games. Next weeks encounter with neighbours Galway should be interesting to say the least