GAA: Longford 0-17 Meath 2-9:LONGFORD SCORED a surprise extra-time victory last night at Navan's Páirc Tailteann.

After midfielder John Keegan pointed Longford into the lead, Meath struck for a fortunate goal on 12 minutes. A shot from Mark Battersby deceived goalkeeper Patrick Columb and wound up in the net. However, that was their only score of the first half as Longford led 0-8 to 1-0 at the break.

Meath resumed with the first three points, but Longford led 0-10 to 1-4 at the three-quarter stage. A save by Meath goalkeeper Conor McHugh from Kevin Diffley proved crucial before two converted frees by Andrew Tormey edged the home side ahead on 56 minutes. However, a point from Robbie Smith in the closing seconds sent the tie to extra-time.

Longford led 0-16 to 2-8 at the next break, Meath’s second goal coming from a Tormey penalty. Meath’s Ciarán Lenehan was dismissed with a straight red for a high tackle two minutes into the second period of extra-time and Longford held out, despite having substitute Fergal Reilly sent off.

LONGFORD: P Columb; J Carroll, F Battrim, A Quinn; S Mahon, C Smith, D Cooney; K Diffley, J Keegan (0-3); P McCormack, P Gill (0-4), P Reynolds; J McGivney (0-1), D Gallagher, JJ Matthews (0-4). Subs: R Smith (0-4, 2 frees) for Reynolds (17 mins), M Mulvey (0-1) for Gallagher (28 mins), F Reilly for Mahon (50 mins), P Devine for Carroll (56 mins), D Gallagher for Keegan (77 mins), C Keegan for Matthews (80 mins).

MEATH: C McHugh; C McPartland, S Curran, W Ryan; D Keogan, C Lenehan (0-1), M O'Sullivan (0-1); B Menton, J Owens; P Gilsenan (0-1), D Smyth (0-1), D Larkin; A Tormey (1-4, 1-0 pen, 0-4 frees), N Murphy, M Battersby (1-0). Subs: S Dalton (0-1) for Larkin (39 mins), S Gillespie for Owens (43 mins), W Carry for Murphy (52), C Devereaux for Battersby (56), S Tobin for Smyth (start extra-time).

Referee: P Knell (Louth).