Majestic Matthew Carey points the way as Longford make it through to the Leinster U-20 ‘B’ final

Longford . . . 0-13    Wexford . . . 1-7

Some silverware is a rare occurrence in a success starved county like ‘little’ Longford and the U-20 footballers showed a lot of hunger in the hard earned win over Wexford in the Tier 2 Championship.

A small attendance gathered at Allen Park in Newtownforbes on Tuesday evening to witness a very determined comeback from the home county who looked in some trouble when they trailed by 1-7 to 0-7 midway through the second half.

Changes were made by the manager Kieran Carey and fellow mentors Ray Kenny, Dan McElligott and Mark Lennon in a bid to salvage the situation and particularly significant was the introduction of Jack Belton who made a big impact at midfield. 

Inspired by the outstanding Matthew Carey, who clocked up 0-9 during the course of the match, Longford dominated the final quarter to shoot six points in a row to emerge victorious.

Their well deserved reward is a clash against neighbouring rivals Westmeath in the Leinster U-20 ‘B’ final at TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar next Tuesday evening (April 30), throw-in 7pm. 

Whoever wins the Andrew Corden Cup will have the added bonus of the All-Ireland Series in the Tier 2 competition with the semi-final against the Munster ‘B’ champions Limerick.

Apart from the obvious man of the match Carey, most impressive in a tenacious defence was the resolute corner-back Conor Smith while Paddy Moran produced a strong second half display in the attack who gradually began to click after kicking 9 wides in the first half. 

Longford started well with Jamie Brady Hynes having a goal attempt well saved by the Wexford keeper Eoin Blanchfield in the opening minute before Matthew Carey converted a ‘45.

But it developed into a fierce struggle for the rest of the first half with the wind assisted midlanders restricted to just three more points - all scored by Carey which included a cracking strike under pressure. 

Towering Wexford midfielder Cathal Kehoe was posing a lot of problems and he had a goal attempt saved in fine fashion by the Longford keeper, captain Oisin McManus.

Kehoe broke through to blast the ball into the back of the net in the 22nd minute, which left the visitors in a slender 1-2 to 0-4 lead at the break, and five more Wexford points followed in the third quarter with the aid of the wind. 

That was really putting it up to Longford, who replied with points from Hynes and Carey (two frees) to remain in contention, but they showed a lot of character to come out on top in the end.

Three fine points in quick succession from Carey, Michael Flynn and Hynes left the sides all square with 51 minutes gone on the clock and the comeback was complete with three more scores from Carey (two frees) and Moran, the latter landing a cracking effort with time running out. 

A couple of point-blank goal chances were also created with Michael Flynn and substitute Padraig Boyle going so close to finding the net.

While Longford were reduced to 14 players following a black card for Jonathan Burke in stoppage time, the resilient defence withstood late pressure led by the braveheart Conor Smith.   

LONGFORD: Oisin McManus (Killoe Emmet Og); Conor Smith (Clonguish), Ruairi O’Toole (Dromard), Eoghan Williams (Colmcille); Gavin Farrelly (Killoe), Andrew Flynn (Clonguish), Jonathan Burke (Clonguish); Oisin Flynn (Ballymore), Caolan Lynch (Abbeylara); Paddy Moran (Killoe Emmet Og, 0-1), Brian Mulvey (Carrickedmond), Matthew Flynn (Clonguish); Michael Flynn (Clonguish, 0-1) Matthew Carey (Clonguish, 0-9, 5 frees, 1 ‘45), Jamie Brady Hynes (St Mary’s Granard, 0-2).

Subs:- Ross Shields (Clonguish) for E Williams (half-time); Padraig Boyle (Ballymore) for Matthew Flynn (42 mins); Jack Belton (Mostrim) for O Flynn (45 mins); Ronan Courtney (Mostrim) for C Lynch (52 mins); Harry Kiernan (St Mary’s Granard) for B Mulvey (52 mins).  

WEXFORD: Eoin Blanchfield; James Doyle, Sean Nunan,  Conor Kelly (0-1); Ruairi Martin, Cathal Murphy, Conor Mackey; Sean Hughes, Cathal Kehoe (1-1); Morgan Ellis, James Lawless, Michael McGonigle; Dean Kehoe (0-1), Rory Gilbert (0-1), Dylan Cooke Leonard (0-3, one free).

Subs:- Brian Roban for M McGonigle (50 mins); Liam Donoghue for M Ellis (51 mins); Cormac Kiely for C Mackey (54 mins); Cormac McGee for J Lawless (59 mins); Tom Quigley for C Murphy (60 mins).  

Referee: Enda Kelly (Westmeath).