The beaten league finalists Laois looked in serious trouble at half-time when they trailed by five points.

The crucial score of the opening half – a brilliant Offaly goal from midfielder Ciaran McManus.

Laois recovered from that shock goal with points from Ross Munnelly and Damian Delaney.

But Offaly finished the half in style with John Reynolds and Colm Quinn scores to lead 1-07 to 0-05 at the break.

Laois manager Mick O’Dwyer rang the changes at half-time – out went centre-back Derek Conroy and the league’s top scorer Delaney.

Five minutes into the second-half, Laois captain Ian Fitzgerald was also replaced and the changes seemed to work wonders for the O’Moore county.

They scored five points without reply to level the game after 18 minutes. Offaly’s opening score did not come until the 19th minute from a Colm Quinn free, but Laois star Michael Lawlor had the sides level two minutes later.

Then Offaly took control again. Two points from Quinn and a brilliant long-range effort from McManus put a goal between them.

Laois now replaced sub Stephen Kelly with Portarlington player David Sweeney, but within three minutes of his entry he was shown a red card by Cork referee Michael Collins and it looked all over for Laois.

Two minutes into injury-time a great passing movement ended with Kevin Fitzpatrick placing the in-rushing Michael Lawlor for a superb goal and Laois led for the first time.

But it wasn’t over yet and the man who flew home from Germany for the game – Ciaran McManus, converted a 45 free to ensure another day out at Tullamore next week.