National League, Premier Division/ Longford Town 1 Dublin City 1: Longford Town manager Alan Mathews stated in the match programme address on Saturday night that it was time to turn the draws into wins. In the end his side were lucky to draw as Dublin City provided stern opposition for the midland club.
The small attendance had to wait 27 minutes for the first real chance of the game. Alan Kirby cleverly played in Andy Myler, whose attempt was only feet away from putting the midland side ahead. Dublin City responded six minutes later but Mick O'Donnell saw his free kick tipped over by Shay Kelly.
John Martin and Dessie Baker conjured up a couple of rare chances for the home side in a disappointing second half. However, it was the visitors who hit the front after 69 minutes.
A calamity of errors in the home defence eventually ended when substitute Ger McCarthy fired to the roof of Kelly's net. It was no more than McCarthy deserved as his initial effort had come back off the post.
The home side were level just six minutes later when Gavin McDonnell was penalised by referee Tony Kelly for handling inside the area. Dessie Baker scored from the spot.
LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly; Doherty, O'Connor, Paisley; J. Martin, Kirby, Murphy, Fitzgerald, Prunty; Baker, Myler (R. Martin, 64).
DUBLIN CITY: Rogers; Brennan, Malcolm, Keely, Doyle; Collins (McCarthy, 45, Davey 84), Pender, Shiels, Crowley (McDonnell, 45), O'Donnell; Freeman.
Referee: T Kelly (Moate).
