First Division wrap: Cork City strike late against Longford to close in on title as UCD stretch unbeaten run to eight games

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Cork City left it late but now only need to beat UCD in their next league outing to claim the First Division title for the second time in three years.

The Rebel Army fell behind twice against basement side Longford Town before winning 3-2 at Turner’s Cross. 

And they had to rely on recent recruits Ruairi Keating and Seani Maguire to get the job done.

Daniel Norris handed the Red and Black a shock lead after 20 minutes when he struck for the visitors. But City were level five minutes later when Keating levelled.

Longford retook the lead just past the half hour via striker Francis Campbell.

Wayne Groves’ side, however, once again let a lead slip in the second period and were pegged back again on the hour with Maguire scoring.

Dean O’Shea was then sent off in the 87th minute for a second yellow card - and Maguire then won it for the Leesiders to set up a shot at the title away to UCD next weekend.

But the Students will be coming into that clash in good form after defeating Kerry 1-0 at Mounthawk Park.

Willie O’Connor’s side have now stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games following their triumph in Tralee.



But there was little in it as former Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Raggett scored the only goal of the game.

Meanwhile, Wexford boosted their playoff hopes with a 2-1 victory at home against Athlone Town.

Shelbourne loanee Lewis Temple opened the scoring for James Keddy’s side before the break but the Co Westmeath men equalised eight minutes into the second period through Leo Gaxha.

Wexford, although, sealed all three minutes 12 minutes from time when Thomas Oluwa netted the winner.

They are now six points of sixth-placed Finn Harps who won 2-0 at home against Cobh Ramblers.

Ramblers needed a result to stay in touch with the top-five but stumbled to another defeat on the road. 

Goals from Patrick Ferry and Jamie Watson won it for the Co Donegal side who are only just still in the hunt for the playoff places. 

Elsewhere, Bray Wanderers were in Cruise control from the start as they put Treaty United to the sword with a thumping 5-0 victory at the Carlisle Grounds. 

The damage was done in the first half with the Seagulls netting all five of their goals inside that madcap period, with Kieran Cruise scoring a hat-trick and Ben Feeney bagging a brace.

Crucially, the result leaves Treaty United 11 points off the playoffs with seven games left to play.

But for Bray, they are now in a strong position to seal a top-five berth for the first time since the 2021 season under Gary Cronin.

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