First Division round-up: Longford Town record stunning fightback win over Bray Wanderers as Athlone dismantle Finn Harps

Longford Town fought back to record a stunning win over Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on Monday afternoon.

Stephen Henderson’s side failed to win a game after conceding first all season before their victory over Treaty United on Friday night – but they did it twice in the space of three days.

The Seagulls raced into a 2-0 lead before Longford responded with a stunning display to break their hearts with a rip-roaring last half hour.

Chris Lyons opened the scoring for Bray with a penalty, while Dane Massey doubled their advantage minutes into the second period with a rebound finish.

But Longford soon responded, although it came in fortuitous circumstances in the 68^th minute.

Matthew Connor was dispossessed by Town forward Cristian Magerusan before tapping into the net, and just two minutes later the game was level.

Magerusan played a beautifully weighted knockdown to strike partner Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh, with the former Cork City forward rifling home a volley.

Jordan Adeyemo was then sprung from the bench and he then put De Town ahead when he slotted home after an expert through ball from full-back Shane Elworthy.

And with the Seagulls chasing the game late on, Adeyemo was played in by his brother Ola to secure a thrilling 4-2 win.

Meanwhile, Longford’s Midlands rivals Athlone Town also secured a valuable three points against Finn Harps at home.

Dario Castelo’s side ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Noah van Geenen opened the scoring for Athlone in the sixth minute, while Scott Wara turned into his own net to compound Harps early woes on the road in the 23^rd minute.

But just moments after Wara’s OG BJ Banda was on hand to halve the deficit with a fine header.

However, their relief was short-lived as a brace from Valerii Dolia put Athlone in control before the interval.

And while Athlone had Ghanaian Michael Peprah sent off in the 79^th minute for a second yellow card, they held on for a big three points.

Harps however also had Daniel Stokoe sent off late on.

Elsewhere, Waterford kept the pressure on league leaders Galway United as best as they could with a 1-0 win away to rivals Wexford.

Eddie Nolan’s header proved crucial for the Blues as they stayed 16 points behind the Tribesmen.

Waterford are set to play John Caulfield’s men on Friday night at Eamonn Deacy Park – and they also have a game in hand on the red-hot title favourites.

If they win, the gap could reduce to as low as 10 points in the coming weeks.

But Galway will have to drop points elsewhere if they are to be caught and they are showing little sign of being distracted.

They also won 3-0 at home Treaty United on Monday afternoon, with Rob Manley completing the scoring for the hosts.

David Hurley and Wassim Aouachria both scored to put Galway in command before Manley’s late strike.

But there was agony for Kerry as their wait for a first home league win of the season continued.

Billy Dennehy’s side looked on course to take all three points at Mounthawk Park on Monday night after a Ryan Kelliher double put them ahead.

However, Shane Keegan’s men responded with a quadruple change and eventually salvaged a point.

Mikie Rowe halved the deficit in the 67^th minute while Jack Doherty rescued a point in the 82^nd with an equaliser.