Longford recorded their first win of the Allianz League in a hard fought three point win over Waterford.
There was drama before the game, as the match was moved from the SETU Arena at lunch time. In fact it took time for the Waterford officials to find a ground.
Some three hours before throw-in Ballygunnar’s GAA grounds were selected as the host venue.
However, the change of venue didn’t hamper the visitors. Even allowing them to trail at half-time.
The sides exchanged scores in the opening 12 minutes. Jayson Matthews with two points either side of Dermot Hughes. Michael Mullaney levelling the game early doors.
Robbie McGrath put Waterford ahead of the first time with Dessie Reynolds levelling the game on 12 minutes. Matthews, Darren Gallagher and Reynolds had Longford three points ahead on 23 minutes.
However, Waterford responded with three points in three minutes. Jason Currie, Stephen Currie and Dermott Ryan levelling the game up.
Gallagher’s point was cancelled out by Jason Currie with full-forward Tom O’Connell converting a free to put Waterford ahead. Mickey Quinn levelled the game on 35 minutes before O’Connell edged Waterford ahead at half-time nine points to eight.
Paddy Christie’s men weren’t going to lie down in the second-half. Brian Masterson and Gallagher from play had Longford 10 points to nine ahead three minutes after the restart.
Waterford comeback prevented
O’Connell levelled it up again, but Darren Gallagher with a point and then retrieving a restart for Paddy Reynolds had Longford two up. Gallagher won another restart setting up Mark Hughes to put Longford three points clear.
Waterford pulled back two good points through O’Connell and had a sniff of a goal. However, Paddy Christie's side reacted to move toward a first victory. Mark Hughes and Daniel Mimnagh moving Longford 15 points to 12 clear.
Longford finished out with 14 men when Darren Gallagher saw black and red before Mark Hughes converted a mark for the victory. O’Connell wrapped up the scoring as Longford won out 16 points to 13.
Longford get League back on track. London next week - hopefully we can build momentum pic.twitter.com/qDXc6HICQp
— Club Longford (@ClubLongford) February 17, 2024
