Derry City 4 Longford Town 0
Derry City finally got back to winning ways at the Brandywell on Friday night and this deserved victory over Longford is expected to boost confidence levels on Foyleside.
A relieved Peter Hutton now sees his side move three points clear of the relegation zone and, if the truth be told, his side could have won by more having dominated the clear-cut chances.
When the opening strike did arrive in the ninth minute it was by way of an own goal and the Brandywell burst to life.
Robbie Cornwall’s low cross appeared to flick off the body of Patrick McEleney before Longford midfielder Jack Doherty turned it into his own net.
Derry’s persistence was rewarded with a second goal in the 20th minute, thanks to a fine strike by Mark Timlin.
Having started the move himself, his one-two with Patrick McEleney saw Timlin’s shot take a deflection off Longford’s Mark Salmon. The effort wrong-footed keeper Hunt who had no chance.
Longford’s only chance in the opening half fell to Kaleem Simon in the 33rd minute, the winger heading Pat Sullivan’s free into the welcoming hands of Doherty. The home side could have netted another before the break when Barry McNamee’s deft lob towards the back post was smashed over the bar by Stephen Dooley.
Derry finally put the game to bed in the 77th minute, McEleney threading through the perfect pass for Timlin to net his fourth goal in two games after the one-on-one situation with Hunt.
Derry City: Doherty; Cornwall, McBride, Barry, Jarvis; Dooley (Curtis, 89), Lowry, McCormack, McNamee; Timlin (Quigley, 89), McEleney (Morrison, 79).
Longford Town: Hunt; Mulhall, Sullivan, Powell, Deady; Doherty (O'Sullivan, h/t), Salmon, Rice, Gorman, Simon (Shannon, 71); Shaw.
Referee: D. McKeon (Dublin).
