Longford suffer defeat against Lancashire in the Lory Meagher Cup
Lory Meagher Cup Senior Hurling Championship - Round 1
Lancashire . . . 3-21 Longford . . . 2-17
Despite an improved display in the second half, propelled by Cathal Mullane's total of 9 points (3 frees), Longford left themselves with too much of a deficit to claw back after successive goals from Ray McCormack and Darragh Carroll left Lancashire in a seven-point lead at the break, 2-10 to 0-9.
The home side consolidated their tight trip on the game in the second half to put the pressure on Longford who are now facing a must win match against the other Exiles outfit Warwickshire at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday next (throw-in 2pm) to remain in contention for a place in the Croke Park final.
The Longford green flags in the second half were an own goal while substitute Reuben Murray found the back of the Lancashire net in the closing stages of the game.
LANCASHIRE: P Coates; A Morgan, C McCormick, P Shine; F Henry (0-2), S Nugent (0-1), C Kenny (0-1); E Clifford (0-4), S Madden (0-3); R McCormack (1-0), C Madden (0-1), E Kelly (0-1); R Spencer (0-4, 4f), D Carroll (2-3), D Burke.
Subs:- C O’Shea for Burke (44 mins); L Burns for Morgan (49 mins); E Kearns (0-1) for Kelly (56 mins); R Walsh for Kenny (63 mins); B Slattery for Shine (66 mins).
LONGFORD: P. Burke; J Casey, K Murray, I Dolan; A Quinn, E Allen, E Tully; C Flynn, P Lynam (0-3, 1f); R Sheahan, C Mullane (0-9, 3f), R Maher; L Browne (0-3), M Savage, M Hawes.
Subs:- R Murray (1-0) for Maher (22 mins); D Crossan for Hawes (28 mins); D Buckley (0-2) for Sheahan (31 mins); P McNally for Savage (46 mins); D Regan for Dolan (60 mins).
Referee: K. Brady (Louth).