National Football League: Derry 1-17 2-11 Laois

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Emmett McGuckin

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

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