Longford took a significant step towards promotion and a place in the divisional semi-finals with this excellent away win yesterday.

A large crowd gathered at St Mary's Park in Scotstown for the clash of these two sides tied in second place on six points before the start of play. Rain preceding the match made ball handling difficult but Longford enjoyed the greater possession in the first half, although a tally of eight wides let Monaghan off the hook.

The home side made more economic use of their chances to lead 0-6 to 0-5 at half-time, three of the points coming courtesy of Kieran Tavey frees.

Longford, unlucky not to register a first-half goal when their influential full forward Niall Sheridan saw a goal effort hit two posts without going in, had better luck in the early part of the second half. An excellent Declan Smyth point shortly after the restart put Monaghan two in front but seven minutes into the half came a crucial turning point when a Padraic Davis shot came back off the upright into the arms of Trevor Smullen and he scored the game's only goal.

A good passage of play ensued, with both teams taking some fine points, but it was Longford who had the bit between their teeth, Paul Barden sending over a few important scores to establish a winning advantage. Monaghan's misery was compounded with the dismissal of midfielder Colin McCaul for a second bookable offence seven minutes from time.

LONGFORD: G Toner; P Jones, D Ledwith, B Burke; M Mulleady, D Blessington, C Confrey; A Keogh, E Barden (0-4), E Ledwith (0- 1); P Barden (0-4), P Ross; T Smullen (1-1), N S heridan, P Davis (01). Subs: S Hagan (0-1) for B Burke; L Keenan for E Barden.

MONAGHAN: D McCarville; P McKenna, D Duffy, N Marron; D McArdle (0-1), R Treacy, M Slowey; C McCaul (0-1), D Clerkin; R Ronaghan, D Freeman (0-2), P O'Connor (0-2); D Smith (0-1), M Daly (0-1), K Tavey (0-3). Subs: E Murphy for M Slowey; JP Mone for Ronaghan; T Freeman for K Tavey; P Coyle for D Clerkin.

Referee: E Neary (Sligo).