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Longford remain unbeaten

NFL DIVISION THREE Longford 2-12 Wexford 1-13: THERE WAS nothing at stake in this fixture at Pearse Park, with both counties…

Mon Apr 09 2012 - 01:00

NFL DIVISION THREE Longford 2-12 Wexford 1-13:THERE WAS nothing at stake in this fixture at Pearse Park, with both counties having already clinched promotion. Both sides rested several regulars but the second half developed into a lively encounter with goals from Brian Kavanagh and Michael Quinn in quick succession giving Glenn Ryan's side the edge as they maintained their fine unbeaten record.

Wexford were reduced to 14 players when corner-back Sean Culleton was sent off for a second yellow card offence in the closing stages of the first half and they trailed 0-7 to 0-6 at the break. The visitors were dominant on the changeover with four points in a row from Ciarán Lyng (2) and Michael O’Regan (2).

Longford’s Paul Barden failed to convert a penalty in the 52nd minute, his shot hitting the post. But Barden made amends when he raced through to create the chance for Brian Kavanagh to score a crucial goal and moments later Michael Quinn flicked the ball to the net from close range.

Wexford were thrown a lifeline when Lyng fired home a superb goal in the 59th minute to leave just a solitary score separating the sides, 2-8 to 1-10. A further seven points (four for Longford) were scored in the free-flowing closing stages. The teams will meet again in the Division Three title decider at on Saturday April 28th.

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LONGFORD: P Collum; CP Smyth, B Gilleran, D Reilly; P Foy, M Quinn (1-1, 0-1 45), N Farrell; J Keegan, J O'Shea; P McCormack (0-1), P Barden (0-1), N Mulligan (0-1); D McElligott, J McGivney, B Kavanagh (1-7, 0-3 frees). Subs: S Mulligan for J O'Shea (45 mins); F Battrim for CP Smyth (54); B McKeon (0-1) for P Barden (59 mins); J McKenna for P Collum (70 mins).

WEXFORD: A Masterson; N Murphy, G Molloy, S Culleton; L Chin, D Murphy, A Doyle; B Malone (0-1), R Quinlivan; S Roche (0-2), C Lyng (1-4, 0-1 free), J Holmes; K Rowe, M O'Regan (0-5, 0-2 45s, 0-2 frees), P Byrne Subs: P Kelly for K Rowe (53 mins); C Carty for J Holmes (53 mins); B Hearne for D Murphy (56 mins); PJ Banville (0-1, free) for M O'Regan (61 mins).

Referee: P Fox(Westmeath).