SOCCER: Longford Town - 0 Waterford Utd - 1: Waterford United beat Longford Town for the first time this season when coming out on top in a dour battle at Flancare Park and are now on course to finish fourth in the Premier Division.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Neale Fenn beat the offside trap and crossed to the unmarked Vinny Sullivan, who was left with a simple tap-in.

It was rough justice on Longford, who were the better side in the first half and the FAI Cup winners should have hit the front when Seán Francis missed a glorious chance in the 37th minute.

Francis latched on to a flick from Shane Barrett but failed to connect properly with the ball and his effort was deflected out for a corner.

Just on the stroke of half-time Alan Kirby had a low drive parried into the side netting by Waterford 'keeper Dan Connor but Longford were lucky not to fall further behind nine minutes into the second half when Daryl Murphy was through but delayed his shot and his close-range strike was blocked down by Longford defender, Alan Murphy.

However, the home side piled on the pressure in their vain search for the equaliser and after Alan Murphy had a shot cleared off the line in the 68th minute Brian Byrne had a low drive well saved by Waterford 'keeper Dan Connor.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Alan Murphy, Gartland, McGovern, Ferguson, Keogh, Kirby (A Murphy, H-T), Kelly, Barrett (Mulvihill, 75), Francis (Lavine, 59), Byrne.

WATERFORD UNITED: Connor, McLoughlin, Leahy, Hayes (Reilly, 86), Mallon, O'Brien, Fitzgerald, Clifford, Sullivan, Fenn, Murphy.

Referee: H Whoriskey (Meath)

• Dublin City remain on the verge of a remarkable elevation to the Premier Division of the Eircom League as they came from behind to beat Athlone Town 2-1 and thus only need a draw from their final match at home to Bray Wanderers next Saturday to win the First Division and gain automatic promotion.