Longford manager Paddy Christie seeking consistency in current struggle

Victory at home to fellow strugglers Tipperary this Sunday at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park is vital if Longford are to keep alive their hopes of  retaining their Division 3 status.

Speaking after the match in Kingspan Breffni Park on Sunday last, the Longford manager acknowledged his disappointment with the overall performance but he was encouraged by the second half display, especially as they played most of it with just 14 players after Joseph Hagan was sent-off. 

“It’s hard to think that in the second half we played a lot better when playing into that strong breeze and being down a man as well, but that is what happened. We were very disappointed with the first half, but the second half was good. 

“We seem to play well in one half of games, and poorly in the other half, so we need to be more consistent and play well in both halves of our remaining games. Losing Joe Hagan seven minutes into the second half and playing against that stiff breeze made it hard for us, but we didn’t let Cavan walk all over us, and we showed character and resilience. 

“I thought that Joe’s red card was harsh, he went in and was a little bit clumsy, but I didn’t think it was a big deal. We responded well, moved up a few notches and put together some really good moves towards the end.”

A big turning point in the first half came in the 22nd minute. Longford were trailing by just three points and spurned a great opportunity to score a goal and draw level. 

Joe Hagan’s high ball was knocked down by Keelin McGann and Liam Connerton and David McGivney both had shots blocked before Darren Gallagher fired wide from a good position. 

Cavan then scored a goal and two points without reply in the subsequent three minutes. Christie agreed that that passage of play was a major turning point in the contest.

“That’s an eight-point turnaround from us possibly scoring a goal, to Cavan scoring 1-2. When you are struggling like we are, those breaks go against you and little things just don’t go your way. 

“Three times, when the ball came back off their uprights, it was Cavan who got the break of the ball each time to clear their lines, whereas, if our forwards gained possession, goal chances would have been there for the taking. We just have to absorb that and move on.”

Looking forward to the upcoming home matches against Tipperary and Offaly, the Longford manager outlined what was needed in those games to produce wins.

“The plan is to work on consistency and to produce two good halves in those games, which we have yet to do. We also hope to be able to put out our best team, and we are getting there with players coming back to fitness after being out injured. 

“Liam Connerton is just back from injury and he showed up really well, especially in the second half, and he got important game time under his belt. His availability is going to help things up front.

“Rian Brady also made a big difference when he came on and he added a lot of energy to the team. Also, Mickey Quinn couldn’t play much today and that was another hammer blow for us. He should be back for the next two games.

“Tipperary are struggling at the bottom of the table like ourselves, but they will see next Sunday’s game as a very winnable game to get themselves back on track. We are showing flashes of brilliance here and there, but we need to be good for the full seventy minutes plus against Tipp.”