An ET double of brilliant late points from Offaly substitute Nigel Bracken helped them to a thrilling tie against Laois, as the action at O’Moore Park ended 1-11 to 1-11.

It is a result that gains both teams a point in Group 1 but given their late salvation act and an opening Tailteaan Cup win last weekend, one that will leave Offaly more optimistic of progressing. 

Laois will have to lay it all on the line to qualify next weekend against London and even then, will be depending on results elsewhere, you feel.

Within the first twenty minutes, Laois had established a four-point, 0-5 to 0-1, lead over Offaly, Paul Kingston, and Damon Larkin both bagging early braces for the hosts.

Anton Sullivan and Nigel Dunne halved the deficit to two with a precise point apiece, but their scores were cancelled out by successful point efforts moments later, by Patrick O’Sullivan and Mark Timmons.

Dunne’s second point and Ciaran Donnelly’s first, either side of Colm Murphy’s made it 0-8 to 0-5 in favour of Laois with half time on the horizon.

Things got considerably better for them before the break though, Kieran Lillis finishing smartly to score the half’s only goal and put a barrier of six points between the sides.

Dylan Hyland’s quickfire double, taking his total to three points, brought Offaly back within touch early in the second half but Mark Barry’s second point for Laois kept the gap to five.

Despite Dunne’s trio of points, heading into the closing stages, Offaly still had it all to do, looking down the barrel of a five-point swing.

Joe Maher’s crucial, well-taken goal began the recovery which gained a proper pulse when Hyland heroically made it 1-11 to 1-9 going into extra time.

And another hero, replacement Nigel Bracken, emerged late on, slotting two super points in swift succession as Offaly dramatically drew level, a final outcome that will leave both themselves and Laois with plenty to ponder.