Longford Town 0 - 3 Dundalk

When you’re down, you’re down and luck somehow evades you. That’s the case for Longford Town. For the majority of this game they dominated possession, created the chances but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

For the first half of the game there was only one time in it as the home side carved out numerous chances with Dundalk failing to trouble Town ‘keeper Neil Gallagher once in the opening forty five minutes. The visitors first effort on goal resulted in the opener and what a cracker it was from David Cassidy and a real sucker punch for the home side. Dundalk doubled their advantage on 80 minutes and three minutes later they made it three.

It was rough justice on Longford Town but John Gill and Dundalk won’t mind. With Sporting Fingal winning they knew they had to get three points out of this game to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

It’s been a tough few weeks for Longford Town, losing six games on the trot and failing to find the back of the net in any of those games. They haven’t scored since June 21st in their 2-0 win over Shels. Not only has Aaron Callaghan to deal with injuries to key players but he also lost the services of Iarfhlaith Davoren over the weekend. The Tullamore youngster informed Callaghan over the weekend that he couldn’t commit to the club due to the travelling. Town lost the services of versatile defender Ryan O’Donnell last month too, he cited work commitments as the the reason behind his departure.

Town nearly had the perfect start to the game and straight from the kick-off they could’ve opened the scoring. The ball was played into the path of Town striker Darren McKenna who seized the opportunity when Duns keeper Chris Bennion collided with defender John Flanagan but McKenna’s effort was cleared by a quick thinking Duns defender.

One minute later and the Town were on the attack again. Jason Oladele had a chance but Bennion came off his line to save.

In the 37th minute Gary Murphy went on a mazy run in the middle of the part and he laid the ball of to Oladele who had made a run down the wing. The striker should’ve shot first time but stalled a little and when he did take the shot Duns defender Ian Ryan deflected the ball out for a corner. From Damien Rushe’s corner kick Robert Douglas volleyed over.

Just before half-time Luke Hardy had a long range shot that Bennion got down to hold. Eleven minutes after the restart and with their first shot on goal Dundalk broke the deadlock with a cracking strike. John Flanagan’s throw found Paul Crowley and from about 25 yards out he unleashed an unstoppable shot past Town ‘keeper Gallagher. Heartbreak for the home side who had dominated the game.

A defensive mistake by Dundalk nearly let the Town back into the game. Oladele was through on goal but his shot from a tight angle was saved by Duns ‘keeper Bennion. Former Town player Robbie Farrell had a chance to double his side’s advantage but he shot wide of the goal when it would’ve been easier to score.

Callaghan handed local lad Michael Lee a debut in the 71st and he slotted in in defence.

Ten minutes from time Dundalk made it 2-0. Substitute David O’Connor the provider and Tiernan Mulvenna slotted the ball past Gallagher. Three minutes later John Flanagan wrapped up the win with his side’s third heading past Gallagher.

Longford Town: Neil Gallagher; Stephen Gough (Michael Lee 71), Daire Doyle, Stephen Brennan, Daithi Garry; Gary Murphy (Shane Harte 86), Luke Hardy (Evan Connolly 77), Damien Rushe, Robert Douglas; Jason Oladele, Darren McKenna.

Booked: Rushe.

Dundalk: Chris Bennion; John Flanagan, Ian Ryan, Ben Whelehan, David Crawley; David Cassidy, Paul Crowley, Paul Marney, Paul Smyth (David O'Connor 59); Robbie Farrell (Trevor Vaughan 75), Tiarnan Mulvenna (Paul Shiels 84).

Booked: Flanagan, Cassidy.

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).