Tipperary 0-12 Longford 0-12:A LATE exchange of scores left both teams with something to go home with on Saturday night as Longford secured promotion while Tipperary earned their first point of the league campaign.
Longford knew a draw would be enough and they were 0-5 to 0-4 ahead on the quarter-hour mark as their quick passing and easy movement made them look worthy favourites.
But they found it hard to shake off a dogged Tipperary side who were without a manager after last week’s resignation of John Evans.
The home side led by 0-8 to 0-6 at half-time, with Longford only registering one score in the second quarter.
Tipperary were in front for most of the second half, with Paul Barden and Brian Kavanagh keeping Longford in touch, before late points by that forward duo put the visitors ahead. A 70th minute free converted by Barry Grogan gave Tipperary a merited draw.
TIPPERARY: M O'Donnell; A Morrissey, P Codd, C McDonald; R Kiely, R Costigan, T Ryan; B Jones, D Heffernan; A Campbell, H Coghlan, P Acheson (0-2); B O'Brien (0-2), P Austin (0-1), B Grogan (0-7, seven frees). Subs: L Egan for T Ryan (20 mins), C Sweeney for L Egan (62 mins), D Leahy for A Campbell (67 mins), S Ryan for B O'Brien (68 mins).
LONGFORD:D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, D Reilly; C Smyth, M Quinn (0-1), S Mulligan; B McElvaney (0-1), M Brady; D Barden, P Barden (0-4), J McGivney; D McElligott, B Kavanagh (0-5), JJ Matthews (0-1). Subs: P Foy for S Mulligan (42 mins), N Farrell for M Brady (56 mins), B McKeon for D Barden (70 mins).
Referee:R Moloney (Limerick)
