Longford going well but will be wary of Leitrim

Ever since the great escape out of Dungarvan when a last gasp goal from Daniel Reynolds clinched a vital victory against Waterford in rising from the dead, revitalised Longford have enjoyed a new lease of life in the so competitive Division 4.

Subsequent wins over Antrim (away) and Carlow (home), along with a draw against Tipperary (home) when they let the game slip from their grasp, has put Longford in second position in the table and in control of their own destiny in the push for promotion in the National League. 

Mike Solan’s spirited side have improved beyond recognition and it is quite some time since the county established a significant unbeaten run that will be extended to five matches should they succeed in getting a positive result against Leitrim this Sunday, throw-in 2pm.

The usual big attendance is expected to converge on Carrick-on-Shannon for the always intriguing local derby and Longford will be playing Division 3 football next season with wins over Leitrim and Wicklow (Pearse Park) in their remaining fixtures.

While things are going well, absolutely nothing can be taken for granted against the neighbouring rivals who are currently at a low ebb in the aftermath of demoralising defeats at home to Antrim (2-20 to 1-15) and away to Tipperary (1-18 to 0-8),

A much better indicator to Leitrim’s actual potential can be judged on their most unfortunate one-point defeat against Wicklow earlier in the campaign when a stoppage time two-pointer free converted by goalkeeper Mark Jackson won the close encounter in Aughrim (1-17 to 2-13).

Leitrim also deserve a lot of credit for the very determined manner in which they came from twelve  points down against London in Ruislip to eventually emerge victorious (2-19 to 1-20) and the star of the dramatic show was substitute Barry McNulty.

Returning from injury, the UCD student fired over no less than six two-pointers (1 free) in a brilliant performance and the Glencar-Manorhamilton star is a serious threat. 

Leitrim may be out of contention in the race for promotion but there is a lot of pride at stake and Longford will be wary of the tricky task in Carrick.

Allianz NFL Division 4 Fixtures Round 6 

Saturday 14 March

Netwatch Cullen Park: Carlow v London, 6pm 

Sunday 15 March

Carrick-on-Shannon: Leitrim v Longford, 2pm

Aughrim: Wicklow v Tipperary, 2pm 

Dungarvan: Waterford v Antrim, 1pm 

Allianz NFL Division 4 Fixtures Round 7

Sunday 22 March

Glennon Brothers Pearse Park: Longford v Wicklow, 1pm

Netwatch Cullen Park: Carlow v Leitrim, 1pm 

Semple Stadium, Thurles: Tipperary v Waterford, 1pm

Portglenone: Antrim v London, 1pm