Longford 1-14 UCD 0-14:A cracking goal from wing forward Aidan Rowan in first half stoppage time proved to be the decisive match-winning score as a very experimental Longford side held out for a hard -earned victory over UCD in the O'Byrne Cup Group A clash at the Killoe grounds.

That left the home county in a fairly comfortable 1-10 to 0-8 lead at the break. At one stage of the first half, however, Glenn Ryan’s side appeared to be coasting to a comprehensive win after storming into a commanding 0-7 to 0-0 lead with 16 minutes gone on the clock.

Four of the points were fired over by impressive full-forward Robbie Smyth who was forced to retire injured in the closing stages of the first half.

UCD gradually closed the gap with Donie Kingston leading the charge in the college attack. Laois player Kingston ended up scoring a total of six points but it was not enough to stop Longford coming out on top with the crucial only goal separating the sides at the final whistle.