National League/Longford Town 2 Shamrock Rovers 1: Things are simply going from bad to worse for Shamrock Rovers. They had, for a time, looked like picking up all three points against an out-of-sorts Longford side at Flancare Park on Saturday night. However, the concession of two sloppy goals in the closing quarter helped Longford to victory.

Longford were the better team in the opening half and created a number of early scoring chances. The best opportunities fell to Andy Myler, who was denied first by the crossbar, and then by a brilliant save from Rovers goalkeeper Barry Murphy.

Despite Longford's dominance, Rovers almost took the lead five minutes before the break. Mark Rutherford capitalised on Alan Murphy's hesitancy before shooting straight at goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien.

Rovers went in front three minutes after the restart when Trevor Molloy floated in an inch-perfect cross which was headed home by Gavin McDonnell.

Longford equalised in the 73rd minute when defender Stephen Paisley's shot found the net with the help of a deflection.

The home side were in front five minutes later, Alan Cawley's free kick breaking kindly for Seán Dillon who cracked home the winner.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Murphy, Dillon, Ferguson, Paisley; Kirby, Fitzgerald, Martin, Byrne; Keegan, Myler. Subs: Cawley for Fitzgerald (70 mins), Baker for Keegan (90 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; Gough, Gavin, McGuinness, Doyle; Daniel, McDonnell, Caffrey, Rutherford; Molloy, Mooney. Subs: O'Connor for Daniel (half-time), Manley for Caffrey (85 mins).

Referee: I Stokes (Dublin).