Another defeat but Longford Town make it difficult for the league leaders Galway United

Galway United . . . 1   Longford Town . . . 0  

Played in very testing conditions amid the swirling wind at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night, the home side were given a glorious chance of an early goal when they were awarded a penalty with just two minutes gone on the clock.

In what appeared to be a harsh decision, Town defender Gavin O’Brien was penalised for stopping Ronan Manning in his tracks after he cut in from the left wing but Stephen Walsh’s tame spot kick was saved by the opposing keeper Jack Brady. 

Frustrated Galway, chasing a sixth win in a row in their relentless pursuit for promotion in the First Division, were unable to find a way through the resilient Longford defence before they eventually broke the deadlock in the 75th minute. 

Former Town player Darren Clarke was brought on in the 71st minute and made an immediate impact with his well struck shot ending up in the back of the net after a wicked deflection off the unfortunate Viktor Serdeniuk.

Devoid of any stroke of luck, Longford will be hoping to gain that elusive first win when they take on league newcomers Kerry FC at Bishopsgate on Saturday night next, kick-off 7.30pm. 

GALWAY UNITED: B Clarke; Horgan, Brouder, Slevin, O'Keefe; McCarthy (D Clarke 71 mins), Borden (Nugent 85 mins), McCormack, Manning (Hurley 85); Walsh, Keita (Lomboto 60 mins).

LONGFORD TOWN: Brady; O'Brien (Boudiaf 83 mins), Elworthy, Byrne, O' Connor; Armstrong (Doona 83 mins), Seredeniuk, Dervin, Daly (Adam Verdon 71 mins); Lynch (Giurgi 77 mins), Meaney.  

Referee: D Toland.