Katie Crawford inspired Longford bounce back with impressive victory over Wicklow

An improving Longford claimed their first points of the Lidl Ladies NFL Division 4 campaign with a deserved victory over Wicklow in Pearse Park, responding well after their opening-round defeat to Leitrim.

Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 4 - Round 2: Longford 3-8 Wicklow 0-7

A dominant second-half display, inspired by centre forward Katie Crawford, saw Dave Lambert’s side pull clear and ultimately run out convincing winners.

Played under the new Ladies Gaelic Football rules, the contest showed clear signs of the evolving game, with quicker restarts, greater emphasis on kick-outs, and a faster overall tempo. Longford adapted far better over the hour and were full value for their win.

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Conditions were good in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park and Longford settled quickly. Aoife Darcy opened the scoring with a well-struck free, but Wicklow responded immediately through Lucy Dunne, also from a placed ball. Early on, both sides were testing the new rules around kick-outs and advancing play, with turnovers proving crucial.

Kamille Burke edged Longford back in front with a fine point from play, quickly followed by Hannah Burke as Longford began to find rhythm in their attacking movement. Wicklow stayed in touch through an Ella Parke free, but Longford looked the more composed side, particularly through the middle third.

Katie Crawford announced her influence with a neat point, though Wicklow again replied via Lucy Dunne from a free. Crawford then added another score to leave Longford leading 0-05 to 0-04 at the break – a narrow advantage but one which the home side deserved although the new management team would’ve been disappointed not to have been further ahead as they missed three clear cut goal chances.

The second half opened with Wicklow applying pressure, Parke converting another free to level matters. Longford then enjoyed a purple patch of dominance but initially failed to capitalise, missing a number of goal chances on the trot through captain Sian Gallagher, half-time substitute Michelle Farrell, and Crawford herself.

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That wastefulness was punished almost immediately when Wicklow threatened again, but the turning point arrived soon after. Showing great awareness under the new rules, Crawford pressed aggressively on the Wicklow goalkeeper, forced a turnover, and finished confidently to the net for the game’s first goal.

Although Parke responded with another free, Longford were now firmly in control. Carrickedmond’s Crawford confidently struck for a point, but as the ball faded to the Wicklow goalkeeper, Kamille Burke applied pressure and pounced on another mistake to raise Longford’s second green flag.

Michelle Farrell, returning from Canada and showing her class instantly, added a lovely point to cap a strong cameo. Longford’s confidence grew, and Wicklow struggled to cope with the pace and directness of the home attack. Longford were shattered by the concession of 3 goals in quick succession in the defeat to Leitrim but inflicted the same punishment to the visiting side on this occasion.

Crawford struck again in emphatic fashion, this time finishing calmly after turning over a Wicklow kick-out – another example of how the new rules are rewarding high pressing and smart decision-making. Lambert’s side zonally pressed the Wicklow kickout and with sharper finishing in front of the goals, they would’ve been rewarded handsomely. Aoife Darcy rounded off the scoring with a late free to seal a comprehensive 3-08 to 0-07 victory.

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Longford’s defence was disciplined throughout and they limited Wicklow to only placed ball scores. Amy Creegan put in a courageous old school display at full back and Katelynn McKeon impressed as a sweeper when the pacy Clonguish player reverted to that role in the second half. Clonguish goalkeeper Aoife Cooney is also an ace card for the Kildare management with the new square ball rule placing a large emphasis on dangerous balls around the square. The team looked fitter, sharper, and more cohesive than in round one, with clear signs of progress under Lambert’s management who are only in place a matter of weeks.

This was a significant and timely win for Longford, not just for the points on the table but for the confidence it brings. With key players finding form and the squad adapting well to the new rules, there was much to encourage supporters in Pearse Park. Hopefully, this result and the inclusion of some valuable experienced players in this young squad can encourage some of the talent in the county back into the set up.

LONGFORD: Aoife Cooney (Clonguish), Grace Kenny (Longford Slashers), Amy Creegan (Ballymore), Riane McGrath (Killoe), Ailbhe Brady (Mostrim), Emma Farrell (St. Brigid’s Gaels), Casey McNamara (Carrickedmond), Sián Gallagher (St. Brigid’s Gaels), Kate McEntire (Dromard), Katelyn McKeon (Clonguish), Katie Crawford (2-3, Carrickedmond), Hannah Burke (0-1, Clonguish), Shauna Burke (Clonguish), Kamille Burke (1-1, Clonguish), Aoife Darcy (0-2, 2f, Clonguish). 

Subs; Michelle Farrell (0-1, Colmcille) for Casey McNamara (half-time), Shauna Hagan (Dromard) for Kate McEntire (half-time), Edel Sheehy (Mullinalaghta) for Hannah Burke (43 mins), Eileen Boyle (Ballymore) for Amy Creegan (inj, 52 mins), Grace McEvoy (Ballymore) for Shauna Burke (54 mins), Sarah Macken (Colmcille) for Kamille Burke (54 mins).

WICKLOW: Ellen Griffin; Sarah O’Toole, Orla O’Keeffe, Neasa McGillycuddy; Megan Healy, Sarah Evans, Saoirse O’Reilly; Michelle Renaghan, Lizzie Bourke; Laura Butler, Lucy Dunne (0-2), Amy Lalor; Roisin Cahill, Ella Parke (0-2), Millie Phelan (0-1). 

Sub: Niamh Caffrey (0-1) for R Cahill (half time), Amy Murphy (0-1)