First Division round-up: Wins for Longford, Cork City and Waterford FC

Cristian Magerusan was the Longford Town hero as his second-half brace saw his side claim a deserved win over title challengers Galway United.

Both sides made changes from their previous games.

Town had Sam Verdon and Dean McMenamy suspended, while Ben Lynch dropped to the bench. Mick McDonnell, Matthew O’Brien and Karl Chambers all came in.

For Galway, Stephen Walsh dropped to the bench, and Ronan Manning was injured. Gary Boylan and Ed McCarthy came in for John Caulfield’s side.

Magerusan was a thorn in Galway’s side all night. He brought a save out of Conor Kearns in the fourth minute and seconds later he hit the crossbar with a header.

In the 14th minute, a cross by Karl Chambers was headed over by Ryan Graydon.

Minutes later, Galway had their first effort on goal; Conor McCormack with a long-range strike that was tipped over the bar by Town keeper Luke Dennison.

Wilson Waweru then got into a good position but he dragged his shot wide.

In the 23rd minute, Kearns brought off an excellent save to deny Aaron Robinson. The home side continued to cause problems for the Galway defence.

Michael Barker got onto the end of a Dylan Barnett corner in the 26th minute, but his effort hit Alex Murphy and he cleared.

Three minutes later, Mageruson really should’ve done better with his effort.

Murphy played an excellent ball into Ed McCarthy in the 33rd minute but he brought a good save out of Dennison.

Just before the break, the visitors piled on pressure. Diego Portilla had an effort that was blocked by the Town defence, there was a bit of a scramble but they created nothing to trouble Dennison.

The opening exchanges of the second half were quite even.

The deadlock was eventually broken just after the hour mark when Mick McDonnell knocked the