David Buckley points the way as the Longford hurlers register first win
Allianz National Hurling League Division 3B - Round 3
Longford . . . 2-10 Warwickshire . . . 1-6
With both teams coming into the National League clash seeking a first victory in Division 3B, Longford’s rapid start proved just the tonic for manager Adrian Moran as he recovers from back surgery.
That start was emphatically launched with Longford’s opening attack from the off, early pressure forcing a fine save from home goalkeeper Paddy Hands before Slashers corner-forward Ronan Sheahan slotted to the net off the rebound.
For a team seeking to bounce back from an opening round defeat to Cavan, it proved the perfect boost as they took the game by the scruff of the neck to forge an eight-point advantage by half-time, 1-8 to 0-3, with Reuben Murray shooting three scores.
Longford added another 1-2 to their tally against the wind in the second half with Dan Crossan scoring the goal in the 51st minute.
Next up are Lancashire in two weeks time who will head to Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in a confident mood after scoring a strong 3-11 to 0-14 success against previously unbeaten Cavan on Saturday.
WARWICKSHIRE: P Hands; S Jordan, T Kelly, R Murray; P Crehan, N Eames, D Maloney; J Collins, J Grealish; B Fallon, A Hands, D Ryan; N Lenihan, L Hands, A Hanley.
Subs:- O Coffey for D Ryan (35 mins); D King for A Hanley (44 mins); K Murphy for P Crehan (54 mins); E McWilliams for Maloney (65 mins).
LONGFORD: P Burke; J Casey, K Murray, D Regan; A Quinn, E Allen, I Dolan; C Flynn, P Lynam (0-1, f); R Murray (0-3), D Buckley (0-5, 4f), R Maher; D Crossan (1-0), E Tully (0-1), R Sheahan (1-0).
Subs:- F Dolan for J Casey (60 mins); M Hawes for E Tully (65 mins).
Referee: J. Judge (Mayo)