Longford hurlers suffer another defeat as Louth gradually take control

Louth . . . 0-22 Longford . . . 2-8

While the Longford senior hurlers suffered their third defeat in Division 4 of the National League with a place in the final already beyond their reach, this was a competitive fixture before the table toppers Louth gradually took control at Páirc Naomh Bríd, Dowdallshill on Saturday last.
Thanks to a goal from the captain Reuben Murray following a scramble in the closing stages of the first half, Longford ended up leading by 1-7 to 0-7 at the break and were still ahead when newcomer Martin Farrell converted a penalty in the 49th minute.
That goal left unbeaten Louth trailing by 2-8 to 0-11 but they dominated the remainder of the Round 6 clash to fire over the impressive total of 11 points to run out comfortable winners in the finish.
There is now nothing but pride at stake for Longford’s last league game at home to Monaghan on Saturday March 22 other than some useful preparation for the opening game in the Lory Meagher Cup championship away to Lancashire on Saturday April 12.
Louth gained promotion to Division 3 to cap off an impressive league campaign and will contest the Division 4 final against Fermanagh.
The match began at a fast pace with the home side wasting no time in chalking up their first score.
The Wee County struck first with a well-taken point from Adam Plunkett within the opening 30 seconds to set the tone for an intense battle.
Darren Geoghegan added another score from distance, but Longford quickly responded through Reuben Murray and Martin Farrell to level the game at two points apiece after just five minutes.
Longford gained momentum and added two more points to take the lead, while the home side were wasteful in front of goal with several wides.
Thomas McCreesh’s fine point in the 14th minute kept the Reds in touch, and when Geoghegan converted a free soon after, the teams were level once more at four points each.
The game remained finely balanced, with Mark Gahan scoring for Louth to draw level again at 0-5 to 0-5 in the 25th minute.
However, the visitors struck a major blow just two minutes later when Reuben Murray pounced in a crowded goalmouth to fire the ball into the net.
Louth responded immediately through Sean Flynn before Geoghegan’s accuracy from a free brought them within two points.
Yet, Longford managed to edge further ahead before halftime, with Evan Tully’s powerful shot was turned over the bar by Louth keeper Conor Clancy. Half time: Louth 0-7 Longford 1-7
Despite trailing by three points, Louth had played against the wind in the first half and looked primed for a strong second half performance.
They wasted no time in getting started, as Brian Corcoran fired over within the first 30 seconds.
Sharpshooter Geoghegan then hit three points in quick succession from placed balls, putting Louth ahead by a point for the first time since the early stages.The home side’s intensity continued but they were dealt another setback when Longford were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute and Martin Farrell converted to put his side back in front, 2-8 to 0-11.That proved to be Longford’s final score of the game as Louth completely took control from there until the finish.
Mark Gahan and Darren Geoghegan cut the deficit before Sean Flynn landed a stunning point from distance to bring the sides level at 0-14 to 2-8.
The star of the show Geoghegan then produced a brilliant individual score to push Louth in front, and from that point they never looked back. Louth ran riot in the closing stages, outscoring Longford 11 points to none in the final 20 minutes.
Thomas McCreesh, Sam Phelan, and Geoghegan continued to find their range while Longford struggled to break through Louth’s resolute defence.

LOUTH: Conor Clancy; John Casey, Conor Quigley, Stephen Kettle; Seán Hodgins, Leon Fox, Aaron McGuinness; Ben Goss-Kieran, Mark Gahan (0-2); Conor Murphy, Seán Flynn (0-2), Darren Geoghegan (0-12, 7f); Thomas McCreesh (0-2), Adam Plunkett (0-1), Brian Corcoran (0-1).

Subs:- Sam Phelan for A Plunkett (48 mins); Seaghan Connelly on for B Corcoran (66 mins). 

LONGFORD: Johnny Maher; Seán Lancaster, Oisin Gately, Kealan Cox; Diarmud Caslin, Declan Hayes, Dan Crossan; Eamon Allen, Reuben Murray (1-3, 1f); Johnny Casey (0-1), Evan Tully (0-1), Micheal Mulcahy; Killian Courtney, Martin Farrell (1-3, 1-0 penalty), Ronan Courtney.

Subs:- Niall Hawes for R  Courtney (15 mins); David Buckley for K Courtney (45 mins); Matthew Hawes for D Crossan (60 mins).

Referee: Nicholas Barry (Waterford).