League Report: Longford Town 0 - 4 Dundalk

A Ronan Finn hat-trick saw Dundalk move back to the top of the table as Longford Town slumped to their third league defeat in a row and they stay bottom of the Premier Division table.

Finn opened the scoring for his side from the penalty spot in the 10^th minute and then completed his hat-trick with two goals late on.

Dundalk were in complete control throughout this game and at times it looked like boys against men such was Town’s inability to contain the visitors.

After creating a few half chances Dundalk took the lead when Kaleem Simon brought down Sean Gannon in the box and Finn put away the spot-kick.

Town ‘keeper Paul Skinner saved from David McMillan in the 13^th minute and in the space of one minute Dundalk hit the post twice; first with Daryl Horgan’s free-kick then Darren Meenan’s long-range strike.

Dundalk doubled their lead in the 23^rd minute when Meenan’s corner was headed home by defender Brian Gartland. The visitors created several more chances as the home side struggled to get into the game.

The second half was much like the first, with Dundalk very much on top. Longford Town had an early chance but Gary Rogers saved from David O’Sullivan.

Dundalk kept piling on the pressure and created plenty of chances before they got their third in the 78^th minute when McMillan found Finn and he finished to the net.

Finn completed his hat-trick three minutes from time; Daryl Horgan’s effort was cleared off the line by Josh O’Hanlon and the loose ball was pounced on by Finn.

Longford Town: Paul Skinner; Mark Hughes, Pat Flynn, Noel Haverty, Daniel O’Reilly; Peter McGlynn (Karl Chambers 82), Philip Gannon (John McKeown 76), Kevin O’Connor, Kaleem Simon; Josh O’Hanlon, David O’Sullivan (Don Cowan 69).

Subs not used: Ian Molloy, Lee Duffy, Keith Beirne.

Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey; Stephen O’Donnell (Paddy Barrett 80); Daryl Horgan, Ronan Finn, David McMillan (Ciaran O’Connor 83), Darren Meenan; Ciaran Kilduff (John Mountney 69).

Subs not used: Gabriel Sava, Shane Grimes, George Poynton, Michael O’Connor.

Referee: Graham Kelly

Attendance: 741

Extratime Man of the Match: Ronan Finn (Dundalk)