Carlow 1-15 Longford 1-11:Derek Hayden's injury-time goal helped Carlow to a surprise win over Longford at Dr Cullen Park yesterday.

Interim manager John Kearns' side produced a committed display to deservedly earn their first league points of the season.

David Bardon's 27th-minute goal helped Longford to a 1-3 to 0-3 lead but Carlow finished the half strongly with points from Brian Kelly and Mark Carpenter to trail 1-5 to 0-6 at the break.

Free-taker Kelly's accuracy helped Carlow into a brief lead but points from Bardon and Kevin Mulligan eased Longford 1-11 to 0-12 in front .

However, Carlow kept coming back. With Kelly and Carpenter prominent they forged back into the lead before Hayden's goal sealed their win.

CARLOW: J Clarke; J Ryan, C Bolger, M Nolan; P Cashin (0-1), E Doyle, A Murphy; G Morrissey, R McGrath; JJ Smith, D Hayden (1-0), B Kelly (0-9, 0-7 frees); G Farrell, M Carpenter (0-3), P Reid. Subs: N Conway (0-2) for Farrell; J Hickey for McGrath; J Roche for Reid; M Murphy for Kelly.

LONGFORD: D Sheridan; D Brady, D Hanniffy, A O'Connor; S Mulligan, D Masterson, D Reilly; L Keenan, B McElvaney; K Smith, P Bardon (0-1), P Berry; K Mulligan (0-2); B Kavanagh (0-5, all frees), D Bardon (1-2). Subs: T Smullen (0-1) for Keenan.

Referee: P Fox (Westmeath).