First Division round-up: Wexford take big step towards play-offs as Longford Town and Treaty United keep hopes alive
Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)
FAI Cup quarter-finalists Wexford have taken a huge step towards the First Division play-offs with a priceless 2-0 win away to Athlone Town.
The Slaneysiders lost 4-1 against Athlone the last time the pair met – but they hit back in stunning fashion to condemn Dario Castelo’s side to a home defeat.
And that win has catapulted them to within two points of their Co Westmeath opponents.
Darragh Levingston opened the scoring for James Keddy’s side in the 40th minute before Thomas Oluwa sealed the deal on the hour mark.
And that win took on even more significance with Bray Wanderers slumping to a 1-0 loss at home to Waterford.
The Blues took an early lead through Cameron Cresswell – but they had to defend for vast swathes of the game thanks to his red card soon after.
The goal scorer was dismissed for a second yellow card in the 32nd minute, with his first coming just five minutes beforehand.
But Keith Long’s side held on for a victory to stay 16 points behind Galway United.
The Tribesmen ran out 4-1 winners at home to Cobh Ramblers – but they required a second-half surge to see past the Rams.
Wassim Aouachria opened the scoring for John Caulfiel’s men in the 34th minute before Jack Doherty levelled just five minutes later.
However, three goals in 12 minutes from David Hurley (x2) and Vincent Borden saw United wheel away in their procession towards the league title.
But the play-off chase is continuing to gather pace with Longford Town running out 1-0 winners away to Finn Harps.
Cristian Magerusan’s 19th minute strike was the difference between the teams with Harps playing the last hour with ten-men following Matthew Makinson’s dismissal for a second yellow card.
And Longford’s play-off rivals Treaty United also claimed a 3-1 win at home to Kerry.
Enda Curran opened the scoring for Tommy Barrett’s side before a Mark Walsh OG levelled the game.
But Curran was on hand to score to put Treaty back ahead in the 70th minute while Sean Guerins netted in the 88th minute to seal the deal.
They remain six points behind Wexford with a game in hand.
