Sport

Longford make good their early concessions

NFL Division Two A/Longford 0-15 Carlow 2-7: Longford recovered from conceding two goals in the first half to overcome Carlow…

Mon Mar 27 2006 - 01:00

NFL Division Two A/Longford 0-15 Carlow 2-7: Longford recovered from conceding two goals in the first half to overcome Carlow in dreadful conditions at Pearse Park and keep alive their slim promotion hopes.

Despite dominating the exchanges in the first half, Longford kicked 10 wides and trailed by 2-4 to 0-7 at the break.

Thomas Walsh finished the ball to the net in the 20th minute after goalkeeper Damien Sheridan had stopped his initial shot, and the Carlow midfielder struck again in the 35th minute.

The inrushing Walsh collected a brilliant long ball from Peter Fitzgerald to crack home a fine goal. Longford did not panic and gradually got on top in the second half with Jamsie Martin converting five frees.

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Martin had also fired over a couple of fine points from play while substitute Francis McGee and wing back Dermot Brady notched 0-2 apiece.

Liam Hayes' improving Carlow side were looking good for at least a draw after points from Joe Byrne and Mark Carpenter left the sides all square in the closing stages but Longford have finished strong in all their league games this season and it was the same story on this occasion.

Just after a player from either side - Declan Reilly (Longford) and Alan Kelly (Carlow) - received straight red cards following a fracas, the home team regained the lead in the 68th minute when substitute Seán McCormack pointed.

Martin sealed victory with a close-in free after Carlow goalkeeper John Brennan was penalised for overplaying the ball.

LONGFORD: D Sheridan; P Murtagh, B Gilleran, C Conefrey; D Brady (0-2), M Kelly (0-1), D Reilly; B McElvaney, A O'Connor; S Shortt (0-1), P Barden (0-1), T Clendenning; J Martin (0-7, five frees), K Mulligan, W Murray. Subs: F McGee (0-2) for Clendenning (24 mins); S McCormack (0-1) for Mulligan (60 mins); P Berry for Shortt, P Foy for Kelly (both 69 mins).

CARLOW: J Brennan; T Smith, B Hannon, V Kavanagh; B English, J Hayden, J Ryan; P Walsh, T Walsh (2-1); P Fitzgerald, J Fitzgerald, A Kelly; S Rea (0-4, three frees), M Carpenter (0-1), P Hickey. Subs: D Byrne for P Walsh (44 mins); J Byrne (0-1) for J Fitzgerald (56 mins); N Barrett for Smith (60 mins).

Referee: P Mullan (Antrim).