Longford 2-15 Offaly 0-8:A CRACKING goal from Paul Kelly in the 27th minute of the first half put Longford in control against Offaly at Pearse Park yesterday and they pulled away on the changeover to register a most emphatic win over poor opposition, who are already facing a relegation battle on the evidence of this dire display.

The Kelly goal left a much sharper Longford side leading by 1-6 to 0-6 at the break.

And while Offaly made a bright start to the second half with a great score from Bernard Allen, the home county then moved up another gear to clock up six points without reply with a tremendous strike from Paul Barden in the 42nd minute starting this decisive dominant spell.

Four further scores followed from Seán McCormack (three frees) and Paul Barden before McCormack landed a fine point from play in the 54th minute.

The accurate Longford full-forward had an extremely productive day and ended up with 10 points to his credit to ensure a flying start to the league campaign for Glenn Ryan’s side.

They head to Breffni Park on Saturday evening next to take on neighbouring rivals Cavan.

LONGFORD: D Sheridan; P Foy, B Gilleran, D Reilly; S Mulligan, M Quinn, C P Smyth; B McElvaney (0-1), J Keegan; D Barden, P Barden (0-2), P Kelly (1-1); R Smyth (0-1), S McCormack (0-10, 0-9 frees), JJ Matthews. Subs: D Brady for P Foy (half-time); D McElligott for R Smyth (56 mins); N Mulligan (1-0) for P Kelly (inj, 61 mins); J McGivney for JJ Matthews (63 mins); N Farrell for S Mulligan (69 mins).

OFFALY: K Meehan; J Gallagher, P McConway, S Pender; B Darby, S Sullivan, L Hiney; B Hanamy, N Smith; A Keenaghan, D Currams, A Sullivan; B Allen (0-2, 0-1 free), A Mulhall (0-4, 0-3 frees), N Dunne (0-1). Subs: G Guilfoyle for A Keenaghan (half-time); D Kelly for S Sullivan (46 mins); W Mulhall (0-1) for D Currams (55 mins); K Casey for N Dunne (55 mins); S Guing for N Smith (69 mins).

Referee: J Curley (Meath).