Longford Town 2 - 1 St. Patrick’s Athletic
Credit:
Longford Town continued their pre-season preparations with a deserved win over St. Patrick’s Athletic at Flancare Park on Friday night.
Last week the Town were very unlucky not to get something out of their game with Derry City after they created the chances but couldn’t put them away. This time around they did just that.
Pat’s fielded a strong team but the Town really put it up to their Premier Division opponents. It’s only pre-season and not much can be taken from these games but the one thing that must please Town manager Tony Cousins is the eagerness his players have been showing.
It was an open first half with both sides creating chances. Despite the miserable weather conditions; swirling wind and rain, the home side played some neat football.
The Town made a bright start to the game and opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Craig Walsh’s free-kick from the edge of the box was headed home by Town defender Des Hope.
Pat’s responded quickly to try and get back into the game. One minute after the Town’s goal Evan McMillan should’ve done better with his effort. And then Town keeper Alvin Rouse brought off a fine save in the 23rd minute to deny Stephen Bradley.
The home side should’ve doubled their lead three minutes from the break. Cathal Brady’s excellent pinpoint cross from the right fell to Mark Salmon but with time on his side he rushed to take the shot and blasted it over the bar; it would’ve been easier to get his effort on target.
Pat’s were on level terms five minutes after the restart. Town defender Niall O’Reilly fouled Daryl Kavanagh on just outside the box. Bradley took the free which flew in past a stranded Rouse in the Town goals.
But Town restored their lead in the 64th minute. Jacques Morley picked the ball up and made for the endline, he cut inside the box and from a tight angle found the back of the net. The Pat’s defence really should’ve done better.
Despite both teams enjoying possession in the final quarter of the game chances were at a premium. Pat’s piled on the pressure as they went in search of an equaliser but Rouse and the Town defence stood resolute.
Longford Town - Rouse, Dowling, O'Reilly (Cronin 66), Deans, Hope (Collins 80), Hyland (Szczerbowski 74), Brady (O’Reilly 80), Salmon, Cowan (Oladele 65), Walsh, A Roche (Morley 29).
St. Patrick's Athletic – Rogers (Bennion 72), Pender, Bermingham. Kenna, McMillan, McFaul, Bradley, Crowley, North (Carroll 68), Kavanagh, Doyle (Keegan 60).
Referee: J McLoughlin (Athlone)
Last week the Town were very unlucky not to get something out of their game with Derry City after they created the chances but couldn’t put them away. This time around they did just that.
Pat’s fielded a strong team but the Town really put it up to their Premier Division opponents. It’s only pre-season and not much can be taken from these games but the one thing that must please Town manager Tony Cousins is the eagerness his players have been showing.
It was an open first half with both sides creating chances. Despite the miserable weather conditions; swirling wind and rain, the home side played some neat football.
The Town made a bright start to the game and opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Craig Walsh’s free-kick from the edge of the box was headed home by Town defender Des Hope.
Pat’s responded quickly to try and get back into the game. One minute after the Town’s goal Evan McMillan should’ve done better with his effort. And then Town keeper Alvin Rouse brought off a fine save in the 23rd minute to deny Stephen Bradley.
The home side should’ve doubled their lead three minutes from the break. Cathal Brady’s excellent pinpoint cross from the right fell to Mark Salmon but with time on his side he rushed to take the shot and blasted it over the bar; it would’ve been easier to get his effort on target.
Pat’s were on level terms five minutes after the restart. Town defender Niall O’Reilly fouled Daryl Kavanagh on just outside the box. Bradley took the free which flew in past a stranded Rouse in the Town goals.
But Town restored their lead in the 64th minute. Jacques Morley picked the ball up and made for the endline, he cut inside the box and from a tight angle found the back of the net. The Pat’s defence really should’ve done better.
Despite both teams enjoying possession in the final quarter of the game chances were at a premium. Pat’s piled on the pressure as they went in search of an equaliser but Rouse and the Town defence stood resolute.
Longford Town - Rouse, Dowling, O'Reilly (Cronin 66), Deans, Hope (Collins 80), Hyland (Szczerbowski 74), Brady (O’Reilly 80), Salmon, Cowan (Oladele 65), Walsh, A Roche (Morley 29).
St. Patrick's Athletic – Rogers (Bennion 72), Pender, Bermingham. Kenna, McMillan, McFaul, Bradley, Crowley, North (Carroll 68), Kavanagh, Doyle (Keegan 60).
Referee: J McLoughlin (Athlone)
