Laois maintained their unbeaten run when they came from behind to easily defeat neighbours Carlow in a hard fought encounter at Portarlington yesterday. Laois dominated the opening exchanges. However, once Carlow settled down they played some good football and excellent points from Mark Carpenter and Michael Nolan saw them ahead 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval.

On the changeover the home side improved greatly and had drawn level after 41 minutes with points from John Kealy and Stephen Kelly. Carlow replied with a point from Mark Carpenter but Chris Conway had the sides level after 50 minutes.

From there on Laois took control and a brilliant goal by Joe Higgins after 23 minutes put Laois the out of sight. Carlow's woes were compounded when they had defender Ciaran Kelly sent off.

Laois: F Byron; G Ramsbottom (0-1), T Kelly, J Higgins (1-0); D Conroy K Fitzpatrick, A Fennelly; N Garvan, D Rooney; S Kelly (0-3), C Conroy (0-5), C Parkinson; B McDonald (0-1), H Emerson, M Lawlor (0- 2). Subs: J Keely (0-2) for D Rooney, I Fitzgerald for Emerson, P Dunne for B McDonald, P Clancy for C Parkinson.

Carlow: J Clarke; B Farrell, A Corden, V FLeming; C Kelly, S O'Brien, J Byrne; K Walker, P Nolan; P Kingston, S Kavanagh (0-1), M Carpenter (0- 3); P Nolan, J Nevin, M Nolan (0-3). Subs: W Quinlan for P Nolan, J Kavanagh for S O'Brien, R Donnelly for P Kingston.

Referee: K Walsh (Clare).