Two first-half goals paved the way for Galway's nine-point win over Laois at Ballinasloe yesterday.

The visitors were two points up inside the opening three minutes before a new-look and experimental Galway side got their footing. They came on level terms in the 10th minute and four minutes later, full forward Mark Kerins finished the ball to the net. In the 24th minute, Dara Coen netted a 20-metre free to put his side in front at the interval by 2-9 to 0-7.

A greater commitment in the second half saw David Cuddy send over two points for the Laois men before James Young's shot for goal was amazingly deflected for a point off the rear end of Galway goalkeeper Damian Howe.

From then on both sides exchanged points, but Galway finished the stronger and were never troubled as they claimed their second consecutive win under new manager Matt Murphy.

Galway: D Howe; P Hubin, B Feeney, M Healy; R Walsh, L Hodgins, G Lynskey; N Shaughnessy (0-2), P Walsh (0-2); R Kerins (0- 4), C Moore (0-2), N Kenny; S Corcoran (0-1), M Kerins (1-2), D Coen (1-3, all frees). Subs: F Forde for A Kerins; O Canning for Kenny.

Laois: K Galvin; J Cuddy, B O'Shaughnessy, J O'Sullivan; C Cuddy (0-1), P Cuddy (0-1), P Mahon; O Coss, D Conroy (0-1); D Russell, David Cuddy (0-7), L Tynan (0-1), F O'Sullivan (0-1), O Dowling, J Young (0-1). Subs: G Danne for Coss; R Jones for Dowling; N Delaney for Danne.

Referee: W Barrett (Tipperary).