Intelligent play from Down in the Laois half sees Liam Kerr win a free which Pat Havern converts to kick Down into a four-point lead with as many minutes left on the clock.

Emlyn Mulligan
Former Leitrim forward on RTE Sport

The next few minutes are vital for Laois - they're three points behind and Down are in the driving seat.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI at Croke Park

Down appear to have regrouped following their third-quarter crisis as Caolan Mooney's point extended their advantage to three.

Laois have been a little unlucky with keeper Killian Roche's '45 coming back off the woodwork after Brian Byrne suffering a similar fate a couple of minutes later.

It may be a little premature to say Down are in firm control with just under 10 minutes left but a couple of more scores should put this game to bed despite a display which has been unconvincing for the most part.

With a little help from Hawkeye, Caolan Mooney kicks Down into a three-point lead.

Down have recovered well after a Shakey beginning to the half, but with only one score the difference, they'll know that the job is far from finished yet.

Justin McNulty freshens things up in the Laois attack by bring in Rioghan Murphy for Eoin Lowry.

Conor Laverty makes Down's third change of the day with James Guinness making way for Ryan Magill.

Almost a second goal for Laois.

Killian Roche's free drops short and a goal mouth scramble develops.

Luckily for Down, Mark Barry's effort flashes wide of John O'Hare's goal and Down hold on to their two-point lead.

And that's what you call making a difference.

A Down move down the Laois left is finished beautifully by Danny Magill. A lovely finish off his left foot and Down are back in front.

That's two in six minutes for Magill since his introduction in the 44th minute.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI at Croke Park

This is starting to get a little concerning for Down. After being decidedly second best during the opening period, suddenly Paul Kingston's point put Laois ahead following the O'Moore County's third successive score after the break. Down needed a response and Danny Magill provided it to bring the sides level again but the Mournemen need to lift their game as Laois are starting to dictate the play.

Conor Laverty responds to Laois going ahead by brining on Danny Magill, and the Burren man makes an immediate impact by restoring parity with his first touch.

Miceal Rooney the player to make way.

Paul Kingston with another free for Laois.

What a turnaround by the Leinster men in this second half who already look like a different animal to the side we saw in the first half.

Kevin Swayne though he had a clear run in on goal, but play is brought back for a Laois free for an earlier foul on Evan O'Carroll.

Killian Roche's effort drifts wide, but Laois get a second opportunity due to some encroachment by Down players.

Mark Barry duly converts and we're level in Croke Park after 43 minutes of play.

John McGovern kicks Down's eighth wide of the contest from a mark, and that's his last involvement as he makes way for Caolan Mooney.

Conor Heffernan booms one over from distance and that's just the start that Laois needed to the second half.

A mighty effort from the midfielder.

Down up by two points as the second half gets going.

Both sides have resisted the urge to dip into their reserves at this stage.

Tomas O Se
Former Kerry All-Ireland winner on RTE Sport

For Down to go in only two points in front is really poor - they have had Laois in all sorts of trouble.

Mickey Harte provided the big news during the week by stepping down as Derry manager after one season in charge and following the county's All-Ireland quarter-final exit at the hands of Kerry.

Harte, a shock appointment last September, guided the Oak Leafers to a National Football League Division One title but oversaw a difficult championship campaign.

With their Ulster reign having been ended by Donegal at Celtic Park, Derry finished third in their All-Ireland group and beat Mayo in the preliminary quarter-finals before falling to Kerry in the last eight at the end of June.

"I would like to thank the players for the huge commitment they gave to the Derry jersey during the 2024 season," said former Tyrone boss Harte, 72.

Read more here

Image source, Inpho

Ciaran Whelan
Former Dublin midfielder on RTE Sport

For me Down are dictating this - they've got 15 shots off while Laois are struggling in the final third.

John Haughey
BBC Sport NI at Croke Park

Down hold a two-point advantage at the interval but Laois will still believe the game is there for them to win given the slender margin after they were pretty unconvincing in the first period.

But for the goal, the Mournemen would be in firm control so it's fair to assume Conor Laverty is directing a rather stern team talk at his players at this moment.

Referee Brendan Griffin brings the first half to a close with Down holding a two-point lead.

Seamus Lacey's goal for Laois in the ninth minute wiped out Down's early advantage, but the Mourne sidxe eventually steadied the ship to take a slender lead into the changing rooms at half-time.

Laois boss Justin McNulty will be happy to be within touching distance, while Conor Laverty will no doubt be feeling frustrated that his side aren't further ahead on the scoreboard.