Longford Town wobbled in the closing stages against Galway United at Flancare Park last night but still managed to hold on for a precious victory that ensures their place in the Premier Division next season.

The home side looked very comfortable when holding a two-goal advantage with 10 minutes remaining. But Galway, themselves in need of points, finished with a flourish and could have stolen a draw in the end. Stephen Gavin fired Longford ahead in the 38th minute, latching on to an excellent cross from Alan Murphy. This advantage was doubled eight minutes into the second half. Vinnie Perch was fouled inside the Galway penalty area and Stewart Holt cracked home the resultant penalty.

Billy Cleary managed to pull a goal back for Galway in the 84th minute, again from the penalty spot, after Stephen Kelly had fouled Darragh Sheridan.

But Longford settled after that and held on for a deserved victory.

Longford Town: O'Brien, Murphy, W Byrne, Perch, O'Riordan, S Byrne, Holt, Prunty, Rodgers, O'Connor, Gavin. Subs: Kelly for Gavin (74 mins), Zeller for Rodgers (79 mins), Coyle for W Byrne (83 mins).

Galway United: Forde, Keogh, Quirke, Silke, Cleary, Murphy, Sheridan, Crossley, Lavine, Ryan, O'Connor. Subs: J Moran for O'Connor (61 mins), B Moran for Keogh (61 mins), Keavy for Crossley (76 mins).

Referee: H Woriskey (Dublin).