National League Premier Division/ Longfor Town 0 Sligo Rovers 2: The former Leeds United player Harpal Singh turned in a virtuoso performance as Sligo Rovers jumped to fourth spot in the table.
It's no surprise that Longford have scored only 14 league goals this season. Again, last evening they squandered at least three scoring chances.
The visitors scored against the run of play in the 19th minute. Dean Fitzgerald fouled Conor O'Grady on the edge of the area and Singh brilliantly despatched the free kick to record his third Sligo goal.
Longford had been dominant up to this point. Dave Freeman and Dave Mooney both had great chances to put the home side in front.
Sligo had their moments, too, however, as Singh, Michael McNamara and Brian Cash tested the Longford defence inside the opening 10 minutes.
Longford again threatened in the early stages of the second half. Mooney and Stephen Gough had shots that were well saved by Sligo goalkeeper John O'Hara before Singh pounced again for Sligo in the 59th minute.
The ball broke to the former England youth international 35 yards from goal and he unleashed a terrific volley that looped over Mick Dempsey to double Sligo's lead. Sligo grew in confidence as the game wore on. They should have added a third late on but Mick Dempsey saved on the double, denying both Choice Aisien and Conor O'Grady as the Longford effort subsided.
LONGFORD TOWN: Dempsey; Paisley, Doherty, Gough, Murphy; Kirby, OConnor, Fitzgerald (Byrne 66 mins), J Martin (Cronin 66 mins); Mooney (Baker 66 mins), Freeman.
SLIGO ROVERS: O'Hara; Turner, McNamara, Burns, Curran (Foy 44 mins); Singh, O'Grady, Hughes, Kuduzovic (Aisien 78 mins); Mansaram (McTiernan 87 mins), Cash.
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).
