LEINSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL
Laois v Wexford Tomorrow, 2pm Croke Park, Dublin Live on TV3
AN IMMEDIATE contrast is apparent at this juncture - Wexford punished Meath for failing to put them away in the quarter-final, while Laois barely survived a similar late charge from Wicklow.
So Wexford arrive with their tails up, just as before the last four semi-finals, which they lost. Laois traditionally win this fixture before collapsing in the qualifiers.
That they are down to a third-choice full forward scuppers Laois manager Liam Kearns's chances of introducing a more direct approach. Colm Kelly joins Brendan Quigley in the wounded tent, providing a temporary reprieve for Colm Parkinson, who may well bring Wexford full back Philip Wallace on a merry dance of Croke Park.
Laois have a habit, as shown against Wicklow, of slipping back into the short-passing game that was their signature during the initially successful, but ultimately stalled, Mick O'Dwyer era.
Matty Forde and Ciarán Lyng should conjure up some scoring opportunities for Wexford, but there was a period in Laois's opening game when the fearless young midfielders Kevin Meaney and John O'Loughlin ripped open the supply lines to Ross Munnelly and Michael Tierney.
It provided mere sparks of excellence, but makes the well-being of Tierney's troubled hamstring of vital importance here.
LAOIS: M Nolan; C Healy, M Timmons, J Higgins; T Kelly, D Rooney, P McMahon; K Meaney, J O'Loughlin; R Munnelly, B McCormack, B Sheehan; MJ Tierney, C Parkinson, P Lawlor.
WEXFORD: A Masterson; N Murphy, P Wallace, B Malone; A Morrissey, D Murphy, C Morris; T Howlin, E Bradley; PJ Banville, R Barry, A Flynn; C Lyng, B Doyle, M Forde.
Referee: R Hickey (Clare).
In the last episode: Wexford lost their fourth semi-final in a row, meekly, to say the least, as Laois registered 18 wides. Resistance crumbled after David Murphy's sending off on 51 minutes. Matty Forde kicked just one point from play.
You bet:Wexford are plus one point in the handicap betting. Have a look at Paddy Power for Laois to score last, lead at half-time and win the match at 4/1.
On your marks: Former Wexford captain CiaráDeely makes a welcome return to the panel, while Pádraig Clancy should be fit enough to feature at some point, especially if the young midfield pairing struggle to assert themselves.
Gaining ground: If you own a corporate box, call your Wexford mates as this is the GAA's answer to the marathon baseball experience. Arrive early (12.15pm) for the minor match between Dublin and Wexford and stay late for the hurling replay between the same counties. Beers and hot dogs will provide the fuel to get you through.
Just the ticket: Not a good day for the touts as the usual outlets will be flush with tickets. Juveniles €5, €15 to stand on the Hill and €25 for a seat.
Crystal gazing: On form Wexford look capable of bridging a 52-year gap to their last final, but on championship pedigree we must edge towards Laois. Provided Michael Tierney is fully fit, along with Ross Munnelly and Brian McCormack, they have players capable of scoring from memory alone.
