Galway United came from behind to earn their first home point of the season. The result, though, is of precious little use to either side as they try to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.

The pitch held up superbly on a very wet night but nonetheless contributed to an open and at times, mistake-ridden, game which entertained the small crowd.

Former Galway striker Eric Lavine wore the broadest smile within five minutes of his return to Terryland Park as he punished sloppy defending to put Longford in front.

An Alan Kirby ball in behind left-back Mike Quirke was weighted perfectly for Lavine to drill a low shot across Eddie Hickey and into the far corner of the Galway keeper's net.

Galway, desperate for their first home point of the season, weathered the Longford storm in more ways than one to gradually get on top and equaliser on 32 minutes.

Hesitation by Longford defender Paul McNally, wary of playing a back pass on a very wet pitch, proved costly. Ollie Keogh nipped in and was pulled down by the retreating McNally. Billy Clery drove home the penalty.

GALWAY UNITED: Hickey; Keady, Clery, Silke, Quirke; Ryan, Herrick, Murphy, O'Brien; O'Shaughnessy, Keogh. Subs: Watkins for Keogh (75 mins.).

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; V. Perth, Smith, McNally, W. Byrne; Kirby, S. Byrne, Holt, Prunty; Lavine, O'Connor. Subs: Zellor for Kirby (74 mins.).

Referee: Eddie Barr (Dublin).