Armagh failed to impress against Laois, suffering a real point blitz in the first half of their Allianz Football League tie to lose out in Portlaoise on Saturday.
With both teams out to prove themselves after last year's relegation from the top flight, it looked set to be a tough clash.
But Laois got off to a rampant start, stunning Armagh and leading 0-13 to just 0-4 at the break.
Then it was Armagh's turn to answer and they racked up 1-4 without reply - including a goal from top scorer Brian Mallon.
While the gap was closing, Laois kept fighting and points from Billy Sheehan and Ross Munnelly ensured the victory.