Longford grind out another win over London

Longford made it successive victories in Allianz Football League Division 4 with an eight point win over a dogged London side in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

It was certainly a game of two halves in terms of Longford's display. They were far from impressive in the opening half but came out with a purpose in the second half and London were unable to handle them.

The Exiles started the game well with two frees from the boot of Patrick Dolan. They were full value for their early two point lead. Longford were sluggish in that opening quarter.

Daniel Mimnagh opened the scoring in the 15th minute and minutes later a fisted Darren Gallagher effort drew Longford level. Good play from Joseph Hagan set Mimnagh up in the 22nd minute to put the ball over the bar to give Longford the lead.

Gallagher ('45) and Dolan (free) traded points before Longford grabbed a goal. Mimnagh’s shot was saved by London keeper Andrew Wilson, Dessie Reynolds fired home the rebound.

Ciaran McKeon got up from the back line to score an excellent point for London in the 32nd minute. Just before the break Hagan scored a fine point to give the Midlanders a four point lead - 1-05 to 0-04.

Longford were a different proposition in the second half and upped their performance. Cathal McCabe scored a fine point before Longford grabbed a second goal. It was a great move that started in their own half when Gallagher caught the ball on the goal-line. Several players were involved as Keelin McGann found the back of the net with a great shot.

A goal from Liam Gallagher in the 43rd minute kept the Exiles in the game. Dolan (free) and Ciaran Diver added points to close the gap to five points but that was the closest they were to get to Longford as the mdlanders ended the game