Sam Verdon’s last-gasp header saw Longford Town score a 2-1 victory over Wexford at Bishopsgate in the SSE Airtricity League first division.
The sides were tied at 1-1 for nearly 70 minutes and a draw appeared to be on the cards before Town won the game in the most dramatic circumstances.
Town’s night got off to a nightmare start having fallen behind 50 seconds in; Jack Doherty scored direct from a 30-yard free-kick after being fouled by Matthew Dunne.
14 minutes later, Wexford could've doubled their lead. Jordan Tallon’s effort sailed over the crossbar following slick interplay between himself and Doherty.
Town’s first opening came on 16 minutes. Matthew O’Brien picked out Karl Chambers inside the box, but his header lacked conviction and was easily saved by Alex Moody.
Town were awarded a free-kick three minutes later when Lorcan Fitzgerald fouled Ben Lynch 25-yards-out. Moody got a hand to Ryan Graydon’s effort turning it narrowly wide.
The hosts restored parity on 26 minutes. Sam Verdon connected with Shane Elworthy’s cross but couldn’t direct his header on target. Eric Molloy ‘s follow-up header found the net, his second goal since joining from Shelbourne during the off-season.
Two minutes later, Dunne and Aaron Robinson brought down Dinny Corcoran resulting in a free-kick for Wexford. Doherty’s delivery found Fitzgerald who couldn’t direct his far-post header on target.
Another town chance arrived on 36 minutes. Verdon picked out Graydon inside the box, but his effort missed the target completely.
Four minutes after the restart, Molloy’s left-wing cross found Graydon at the far post but he couldn’t direct his header on target. Town came close again on 51 minutes. Harry Groome headed Aaron Robinson’s pass into the path of Graydon who’s 20-yard volley came crashing off the crossbar.
Town had the lions share of chances but Wexford almost snatched victory in second-half stoppage time as former Town striker Aaron Dobbs rifled a 20-yard effort off the crossbar.
Four minutes into stoppage time, Lorcan Fitzgerald was sent-off for a foul on Ben Lynch. From the resulting free-kick, Dylan Barnett picked out Sam Verdon at the near post who headed home his fourth goal of the season as Town claimed a valuable three points.
Longford Town: L Dennison; S Elworthy, M Dunne, D Barnett, B Lynch; K Chambers, M O’Brien (80 J Power), A Robinson, R Graydon, E Molloy (92 C Magerusan); S Verdon.
Wexford: A Moody; M Byrne (46 L O’Sullivan), L Fitzgerald (64 K McEvoy), J Tallon, A Wells, A Friel, L Lovic (46 C Crowley), C Davis (71 C Barry), H Groome; J Doherty, D Corcoran (72 A Dobbs).
