League Report: Wexford Youths 0 - 2 Longford Town
Credit:
Two first half goals saw Longford Town extend their unbeaten league run to eight games as they defeated a disappointing Wexford Youths side who offered very little throughout the game.
As well picking up the three points it was another clean sheet for the Town; their sixth in a row in the league. They haven’t conceded a league goal since their trip to the RSC on the 23rd of May.
Despite having the majority of the early possession Town failed to test Youths keeper Graham Doyle. Kevin O’Connor’s header in the 3rd minute was off target as Town settled into the game well.
Youths found it hard to get a hold on proceedings as Town were in control. They broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when David O’Sullivan’s cross from the left was turned into this own net by Youths defender Ryan Delaney.
In the 28th minute Gary Shaw brought a save out of Doyle before O’Sullivan had a great chance to double his side’s advantage but his header from a Willie Tyrrell cross came off the butt of the post.
Town continued to press hard for a second goal and their pressure paid off two minutes from the break when O’Sullivan played the ball to Shaw and he coolly slotted home from inside the box. It was Shaw’s third goal in three games and no more than he deserved.
Just like the first half Town completely dominated the second and created numerous scoring opportunities; O’Sullivan’s dipping shot just went over the crossbar in the 49th minute. Stephen Rice then had a shot that was deflected out for a corner while Don Cowan brought an excellent save out of Youths keeper Graham Doyle from close range on the hour mark.
Youths struggled to get into the game and tried to break on the counter but Town’s defence were resolute and stood firm.
Apart from the chances inside the opening quarter of the second half Town didn’t create much to trouble Doyle after that although they did have plenty of the ball.
Danny Furlong had two efforts which he blasted wide in the latter stages of the game while right at the end substitute Peter Hynes squandered a great chance to get Town’s third goal when he blasted his header wide of an open goal; it was easier to score than miss.
Wexford Youths: Graham Doyle; Craig Shortt, Stephen Last, Ryan Delaney (Shane Nolan 79), Jimmy Dermody (Andy Mulligan 57); Ben Ryan (Craig Wall 46), Shane Dunne, Peter Higgins, Eric Molloy; Danny Furlong, Dean Broaders.
Subs not used: Danny Neikis (gk), CJ Browne, Andrew Wall, Johnny St. Ledger.
Bookings: Doyle (53), C Wall (65).
Longford Town: Paul Hunt; Jamie Mulhall, Pat Sullivan, Pat Flynn, Willie Tyrrell; Don Cowan (Lorcan Shannon 66), Stephen Rice, Mark Salmon, Kevin O’Connor; Gary Shaw, David O’Sullivan (Peter Hynes 86).
Subs not used: Chris Bennion (gk), Noel Haverty, Rhys Gorman, Etanda Nkololo.
Bookings: None
Referee: Simon Rodgers (Dublin)
Attendance: 319 (official)
Extratime.ie man of the match: Gary Shaw (Longford Town).
