Longford hurlers stage second half comeback but Fermanagh hold out for the win

Fermanagh . . . 1-10    Longford . . . 0-11

A well-taken goal from Daniel Teague just before the break proved to be a decisive factor in the eventual outcome as it left Fermanagh in a comfortable eight points lead at half-time, 1-10 to 0-5.  

Longford produced a much improved performance with the advantage of the wind in the second half and it might have been a different story had substitute Cathal Mullane scored the goal chance he created on a penetrating run through the opposing defence with just a minute gone on the changeover. 

Mullane’s shot was blocked down and the danger was cleared in a lucky escape for Fermanagh who ironically failed to register a score in the second half but still held out for a narrow win.

Longford gradually closed the gap with three points in a row from Joe O’Brien, along with a brace of scores from newcomer Paddy Lynam, but the Fermanagh defence stood firm in the closing stages with a stoppage time long range strike from Karl Murray coming too late to salvage the situation.   

LONGFORD: Conor Gallagher; Niall Moran, David Buckley, Aidan Sheridan; Johnny Casey, Karl Murray (0-1), Kealan Cox; Evan Tully, Paddy Lynam (0-2); Emmet Corrigan (0-1) Joe O’Brien (0-5, four frees), John Mulhern (0-1); Reuben Murray, Ronan Sheehan, Cian Kavanagh (0-1).

Subs:- Cathal Mullane for E Tully (half-time); Adam Quinn for K Cox (half-time); Micheal Mulcahy for R Sheehan (injured, 56 mins). 

FERMANAGH: Mark Curry; Ciaran Duffy, Rory Porteous, Aidan Flanagan; John Paul McGarry (0-1), Ryan Bogue (0-1), Odhran Johnston; Caolan Duffy, Conor McShea; Luca McCusker, Sean Corrigan (0-2), John Duffy (0-5, two frees); Tom Keenan (0-1), Eoin Cleary, Daniel Teague (1-0).

Subs:- Ben Corrigan for O Johnston (38 mins); Barry Duffy for E Cleary (50 mins); Ruairi Bannon for T Keenan (68 mins). 

Referee: Kevin Brady (Louth).