League Report: Waterford Utd 0 - 2 Longford Town
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
With two games of the season remaining, Longford Town are just one win away from a return to the Premier Division. This result in Waterford, coupled with second place Shelbourne’s defeat to Finn Harps, sees Town’s lead at the top of the table extended to four points.
First half goals from Gary Shaw and Jamie Mulhall earned Town the win but they could’ve won by more, such was their dominance throughout. Longford can be crowned champions on Friday night next with a win against Shamrock Rovers B at City Calling Stadium.
David O’Sullivan had several chances in the opening stages but unfortunately he couldn’t break the deadlock. He was provider for Town’s first goal in the 25th minute when his neat cross from the left was turned in by Shaw from close range.
Waterford didn’t really trouble Town keeper Paul Hunt and anything they did create was dealt with by the netminder and his defence. Right on the stroke of half-time Town doubled their advantage when full-back Jamie Mulhall found the back of the net with a terrific strike from 30 yards out; it was his first goal for the club.
Town started the second half like they had the first and continued to create chances but just couldn’t add to their tally. O’Sullivan and Mark Salmon both came close while Lorcan Shannon somehow shot wide after a neat cross from O’Sullivan in the 77th minute
Waterford had struggled throughout but in the final minutes they tried to pull a goal back but the Town defence stood firm as Tony Cousins’ side claimed the win and moved a step closer to the First Division title.
Waterford United: Burns; Whittle, P Fitzgerald (Croke 63), Frost, Corcoran; R Fitzpatrick, Nolan (O’Connor 55), Sullivan, Boyle; Kiely (Power 79), Rowe.
Subs not used: Breslin, Connor, Ogayemi, Walsh.
Longford Town: Hunt; Mulhall, Gorman, Flynn, Morris; Cowan (Salmon 57), K O’Connor, Rice, Shannon; Shaw (Hynes 57), O’Sullivan (Pender 81).
Subs not used: Bennion, G O’Connor, O’Brien, Haverty.
Referee: Kevin O’Regan (Kerry)
Attendance:
Extratime Man of the Match: Jamie Mulhall (Longford Town)
