Longford Town 3 Limerick 37 1:Longford Town eased in to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup following a hard-earned but deserved victory over Limerick 37 in Flancare Park.

Unfortunately, all the action happened late on as this dull encounter sparked into life only in the final 20 minutes.

The 1,000-strong crowd had to wait until the 24th minute for the first chance. Damian Brennan conceded a free-kick just outside the area, but Kevin Waters flashed the free wide.

Longford created a great chance within a minute. Sean Prunty's excellent cross was headed on by Dave Mooney, but Jamie Duffy's strike lacked any punch and goalkeeper Jimmy Fyffe wasn't overly stretched in making the save.

Again chances were at a premium in the early second-half exchanges, but Longford eventually went in front after 72 minutes. Dessie Baker was put through by Mark Rutherford and the striker somehow managed to lob the ball over Fyffe.

Dave Mooney doubled Longford's lead in the 81st minute. Again Rutherford and Baker were involved before Mooney blasted the ball home.

Limerick were back in the contest just four minutes later. Robbie Kelleher was fouled inside the area by Pat Sullivan and John Tierney converted from the spot.

But Longford wrapped up their victory in the last minute. Pat Sullivan and Jamie Duffy combined inside the area before Duffy smashed the ball home from close range.

LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly; Sullivan, Brennan, Doherty, Prunty; Rutherford (Martin 83), Deegan, Freeman, Duffy; Baker, Mooney.

LIMERICK 37: Fyffe; Molan, Danagher, Purcell, Finnucane; Hayes, Colbert, Whyte, Waters; McCarthy (Tierney 57), Moran (Kelleher 73).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin)