Longford manager Paddy Christie reflects on the costly missed goal chances in the defeat against Laois

Longford manager Paddy Christie spoke to the media after the game at O'Moore Park on Saturday evening last to give his thoughts on the league clash against Laois.

His side missed a number of goal chances while Laois will also feel that they could have won by more than two points.

“It’s hard to say where you stand in it, you would have both feelings. Ultimately, the second half was disappointing because we just didn’t play as well.

“In the first half against the breeze, I thought we were very good but when we created those goal chances particularly that one with Jayson Matthews, if that hit the net it would have been difficult to see us beaten I think. Everything was right in that move bar the last part. It was a fantastic catch and everything was good.

“I think we felt that last year against Limerick in the Tailteann Cup as well, we played quite well but couldn’t convert goal chances so it’s something we have to look at. 

“I suppose if you’re creating goal chances, it’s a good start that’s all I’ll say. It certainly was the difference in the game I think,” he said.

Longford were tasked with kicking into a swirling wind in the first half. They had done relatively well with them only trailing by three points as the game approached half-time. However, they conceded two sloppy frees which meant that Laois now held a five-point advantage going into the second half. 

“They were unforced errors on our side of things and they were negative turnovers that we were involved in ourselves and that’s what’s disappointing. It’s not taking away from Laois in any way, I thought they played well tonight. 

“We felt we were part of our own downfall. One thing I would say is having been six points down with a minute to play and seeing us getting the goal and trying to win the game, I thought that was impressive,” Christie said.

The Longford boss remained upbeat despite the defeat as he complimented his side for their persistence as they got a late goal and looked to try to win the game late on.

“We played Fermanagh in the first round of the National League last year and after having a good O’Byrne Cup run, we were very flat and weren’t ever in the game at any stage and it was like the living dead out there. 

“This time around and yes, we had a bad patch in the second half but we came good for the last five minutes and were good in the first half. We were in the game in different patches and at least we had a go. 

“I just felt against Fermanagh last year that it was a really bad start to the whole campaign.

While we are disappointed with the result against Laois and we could have done with the two points, we are still positive going into the Tipperary game.

 “They were beaten by Carlow so we know it’ll be a dogfight on Sunday. There’s loads to play for, the lads tried very hard, the attitude was good and the conditions were difficult. It’s very hard to be over critical when the spirit was there. 

“I always think the easiest thing to do when you’re six points down is to let yourself be beaten by seven and give the opposition an easy win but we actually went down the pitch and went for a goal which we got,” he said.

There was cause for concern for Longford late on as Iarla O’Sullivan had to be carried off by the Longford physio. Christie says it’s too early to know yet the extent of the injury but he knows he has a panel built up to deal with injuries which are part and parcel of the game.

“We don’t know, he got a belt on the ankle so time will tell. Hopefully he’s okay because he’s a solid performer for us. We could do without losing him but that’s the nature of football. When you go out and play in a physical game, you’ll lose guys. 

“The big thing for us is that we have developed a panel that if we have to replace him we can do it so only time will tell. Obviously, we’d like to have him back next Sunday but if it isn’t the case, we’ve put a lot of work into trying to develop new players. 

“We’ve found some new guys and again I thought Cathal McCabe and the likes of Jayson Matthews and Oisin O’Toole showed up well tonight, they’re heading in the right direction. Hopefully, there’s a few players on the bench that might fit the bill as well,” he said.