National Football League: Derry 1-17 2-11 Laois
- Published
Derry earned a first win in their Division Two campaign with a comeback victory over Laois at Celtic Park.
Derry's strong start was halted when Ross Munnelly netted and Damien O'Connor scored another Laois goal to make it 2-7 to 0-9 at half-time.
Derry fired over the first three points on the restart and they moved ahead after Emmett McGuckin's goal.
Derry's James Kielt was sent-off for two yellow cards but the hosts held firm to secure the points.
Eoin Bradley, JP McCloskey, Ryan Ferris and McGuckin slotted over as Derry moved into a two-point lead on a heavy Celtic Park surface.
Munnelly scored two points before a poor pass from Mark Lynch let him in to net the opening goal.
O'Connor fired past Derry keeper Thomas Mallon late in the half to give Laois a four-point lead at the break.
Derry fought back with quick points from McGuckin (2) and Ferris to signal a second-half fightback.
The decisive score came when McGuckin fisted into the Laois net and it was quickly followed by a Bradley point.
Kielt added a point before his dismissal and a superb Lynch score helped Derry to a hard-fought win.
"It was a great game of football, the players put their bodies on the line and it was a big result for Derry," said Oak Leaf boss Brian McIver.
"The match was played in very heavy conditions and were up against a very strong Laois team.
"We gifted them two goals but we dug in, showed character and deservedly won it."
Derry: T Mallon; R Ferris, C McKaigue, D McBride, C Kielt, M Lynch, SL McGoldrick, P Bradley, PJ McCloskey, B McGoldrick, J Kielt, E Lynn, C Devlin, E McGuckin, E Bradley
Laois: E Culliton; C Healy, K Meaney, P O'Leary; D Strong, J O'Loughlin, C Boyle; B Quigley, C Begley; R Munnelly, G Walsh, B Sheehan; D Kingston, P Clancy, C Kelly
National League results - Sunday 10 February
Division One
Kerry 0-4 1-11 Dublin
Mayo 1-11 1-12 Tyrone
Division Two
Armagh v Wexford - postponed
Derry 1-17 2-11 Laois
Longford 1-8 2-7 Westmeath
Louth v Galway - postponed
Division Three
Sligo 1-12 0-13 Antrim
Wicklow 0-8 0-16 Meath
Division Four
Leitrim 2-8 1-14 Clare
Offaly 1-8 0-12 Limerick
- Published3 February 2013