Offaly closing on safety as Longford woes continue

A goal from substitute Jack Bryant in the 55th minute proved to be crucial as Offaly all but secured their Division 3 status, leaving Longford in a perilous position.

Longford were architects of their own downfall kicking 16 wides in the game, compared to Offaly's five. They went 22 minutes in the second half without a score while Offaly scored 1-04 without reply.

In a tight opening half the sides were level six times and went in at the break 1-09 apiece.

Longford opened the scoring with David McGivney firing over a free. The game then came to life a minute later when both sides scored a goal.

Bernard Allen capitalised on a slip by Barry O’Farrell to fire to the net.

However a kick-out by Ian Duffy fell nicely for Daniel Mimnagh who scored a fine goal who also raised a green flag inside the same fourth minute.

Longford were ahead by two in the 22nd minute but then Offaly came back into the game and four points in a row gave them a two-point lead in the 33rd minute.

Dylan Farrell, Dessie Reynolds and a McGivney free gave Longford the edge approaching half-time but Allen fired over to level the game evenly poised at the break.

Longford opened up a three-point advantage in the 45th minute with substitute Oran Kenny making an immediate impact with a fine point in the 37th minute.

The game changed in a matter of seconds in the 54th minute as Darren Gallagher found Dylan Farrell with a pass, he shot low but it went wide.

Offaly broke down the field and the ball ended up in the net through substitute Jack Bryant.

Momentum was with the Faithful County and points from Allen and another sub Cian Farrell put them ahead by four in the 66th minute.

In the final minutes Longford staged a comeback but it was too late. Joseph Hagan cut the deficit