Report: Longford Town 1 - 2 Dundalk
Credit:
Two second half goals from Captain Aidan Lynch and substitute Trevor Vaughan saw Dundalk move to the top of the First Division with a 2-1 win over Longford Town.
Its been six years since the Louth side played in Flancare Park and it took them an hour to really find their rhythm and up until they opened the scoring it was the home side who had bossed the game, having the majority of the possession.
Both teams made changes from their last games. Town made two changes in the heart of defence with Ronan Frawley suspended and Andy Bermingham in America. Colin Murray, son of former Dundalk manager Martin Murray, who played in Waterford retained his position and he was partnered by American Michael Hogan. For Dundalk goalie Chris Bennion and defender Aidan Lynch both returned from suspension.
Familiar old faces were in the Dundalk team with four former Town players in their starting line-up. Right back Ian Ryan, winger Jamie Duffy and up front Robbie Farrell and Robbie Martin. In a rather drab first half it was the home side who had the better of the chances. In the 15th minute Ryan O'Donnell had a weak effort saved by Dundalk keeper Chris Bennion when he should have done better when through on goal.
Iarfhlaith Davoren brought a fantastic save out of Bennion in the 22nd minute. Darren McKenna charged forward, he played the ball out wide to Davoren but the Lilywhites net minder got down well to deny a goal. Dundalks only effort of the first 45 minutes was from Aidan Lynch in the 21st minute heading over from a David Crawley free.
It was Lynch who broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. David OConnor crossed from the left, Robbie Martin got a touch to the ball and Lynch finished past Shay Kelly. Second half substitute Trevor Vaughan made in 2-0 in the 76th. The veteran scoring a cracking goal from a tight angle.
Darren McKenna grabbed a consolation goal for the town two minutes from the end of normal time. Gary Murphy did all the hard work and his cross from the right was headed home by McKenna for his fourth goal of the season.
Longford Town: Shay Kelly; Ryan O'Donnell, Michael Hogan, Colin Murray, Ryan Casey (Brian Kelly 79); Luke Hardy, Gary Murphy, Daire Doyle (Keith Kelch 69), Iarfhlaith Davoren; Darren McKenna, Damien Rushe (Dean Barrett 69).
Subs not used: Stephen Brennan, Niall Gallagher.
Booked: R Casey (22), C Murray (80).
Dundalk: Chris Bennion; Ian Ryan, Aiden Lynch, David Crawley, Shane Grimes; Paul Shiels, Jamie Duffy, David Cassidy (Paul Crowley 37), David O'Connor; Robbie Farrell (Trevor Vaughan 58), Robbie Martin (Paul Smyth 79).
Subs not used: Aaron Shanahan, Tiernan Mulvenna.
Booked: Shiels (5), Duffy (50), Farrell (55), O'Connor (78).
Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork).
Attendance: 1,000 (estimate).
