An opportunist goal by David Barden with just 13 minutes gone in the first half proved to be the decisive match-winning score as Longford overcame the challenge of Monaghan in a tough promotion battle played in extremely difficult conditions at Pearse Park.

Full forward Niall Sheridan broke the ball to the unmarked Barden, who kept his cool in shooting to the back of the net from a few yards out. That left them in a 1-5 to 0-6 lead at the break.

Earlier Monaghan's Gary Meehan hit the crossbar, with Damian Freeman blasting the rebound over the bar, and Meehan then put Freeman through for another great chance, only for the latter to shoot against the post with Longford goalkeeper Gavin Tonra well beaten.

Three great points by Enda Barden, now operating on the 40, and two more from substitute Padraig Davis kept Longford in front but Monaghan almost snatched the share of the spoils when a close-range shot by Darren Farmer was blocked by the foot of the opposing goalkeeper Tonra in the final minute of normal time.

LONGFORD: G Tonra; B Burke, D Ledwith, C Drake; M Mulleady, D Blessington, E Ledwith; D Hannify, E Barden (0-3, one free); T Smullen (0-1), P Barden (0-1, free) P Ross (0-1); G Martin (0-2, one free), N Sheridan (0-1), D Barden (1-0). Subs: C Sheridan for Drake (29 mins); P Davis (0-2) For N Sheridan (48); A O'Connor for Ross (65); P Brady for C Sheridan (70).

MONAGHAN: G Murphy; S McGeough, D McDermott, N Marron; P McKenna, JP Mone, C Flanagan; J Hughes, P Coyle; D Farmer, (0- 2, frees) P O'Connor, D McArdle; D Smyth (0-1) G Meehan (0-2), D Freeman (0-4). Subs: D Clerkin for Mone (h-t); T Freeman for Clerkin (54).

Referee: D Joyce (Galway).