Longford followed up their good away win to Antrim in the previous round when they came from behind to beat neighbouring rivals Westmeath in a scrappy Section B game played in front of 2,000 people at Pearse Park. A marvellous goal from Padraig Davis, in the final minutes of the game, clinched an excellent win for Longford, who were without key players, Dessie Barry, Niall Sheridan and Paul McCormack.
They then lost corner back, John Kenny, who was stretchered off suffering from a nasty head injury just before the half-time break, and their misfortunes continued in the 51st minute when Enda Barden was sent off by referee Carthage Buckley.
At that stage, Westmeath held a commanding 1-9 to 0-7 lead thanks to a cracking goal from substitute Thomas Cleary midway through the second half and Kenny Lyons then had a great chance of a second goal moments later only to shoot narrowly wide.
It was a lucky escape for the home side and they got right back into contention in the 52nd minute when their goalkeeper, Gavin Tonra, converted a penalty, giving the Westmeath 'keeper no chance with a rasping shot.
Points were then exchanged before Longford struck that dramatic late winner, David Hannify letting the ball into Padraig Davis, who rifled his shot into the corner of the net.
