National League Premier Division/ Lonford Town 2; Shelbourne 1: Newly crowned league champions, Shelbourne, came crashing back down to earth at Flancare Park last night, losing out to FAI Cup winners Longford Town in an exciting tussle played in a carnival atmosphere.
Longford were worth their victory despite falling behind to Jason Byrne's 20th-minute opener, the striker rising unchallenged to head home Ollie Cahill's corner.
However, the home side soon took control of matters and were level in the 32nd minute. Vinnie Perth played in Shane Barrett, who beat the offside trap, before curling the ball past Shelbourne goalkeeper Steve Williams.
Longford were creating plenty of chances but had to wait until the 64th minute before they took the lead.
Alan Murphy's cross was deflected into the path of Brian Byrne whose first-time shot was parried away by Williams, but only into the path of Perth, who crashed home Town's winner.
The midlanders continued to dominate thereafter but were almost caught napping when their former player Stuart Byrne was left with a straightforward header in the 80th minute. However the Shelbourne man headed straight at Longford goalkeeper Steven O'Brien.
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Murphy, Gartland, McGovern, Ferguson, Keogh, Kirby, Perth, Lavine, Barrett, Byrne.
SHELBOURNE: Williams, Heary, Crawley (Gannon, 78), Rogers, Doherty (McCarthy, 65), Morgan (Kinsella, 71), Cahill, S Byrne, J Byrne, Harris, Houlihan.
Referee: A Kelly (Cork)
