Longford made three-wins-in-a-row as they out battled Leitrim claiming an important two derby points.
Longford scored a 1-16 to 13 point win over their neighbours, moving into serious promotion contenders with two round remaining.
The hosts dominated early on. In fact it would take 20 minutes for Leitrim to register a score. By that stage Dessie Reynolds (0-2), Darren Gallagher (0-2), Joe Hagan had all registered points.
Cathal McCabe landed a Longford goal with 15 minutes on the clock, blasting a daisy cutter home.
Pearse Dolan opened the Leitirm scoring with 20 minutes on the clock, however, Daniel Reynolds responded immediately with a point.
Leitirm comeback!
To be fair, Dolan’s point fired a comeback of sorts from Leitrim, Darragh Rooney (0-2), Ryan O’Rourke, Aidan Flynn, Barry McNulty.
Darren Gallagher fisted a Longford point, their first in 13 minutes as the hosts led 1-7 to 0-6. Mark Plunkett and Gallagher exchanged scores as Longford led 1-8 to 0-7 at half-time.
Indeed, The Leitrim comeback continued after the break. Jack Gilheaney opening the scoring immediately with Mark Plunkett making it a two-point game.
However, that was as good as it got for Leitrim. Cathal McCabe fisted Longford’s first score of the second-half on 39 minutes.
Conor Reynolds, Gallagher moved Longford 1-11 to 0-10 ahead on 51 minutes. Darragh Rooney responding with a Leitirm point. Mark Hughes converted a free.
The game swung away from Leitrim moments later when Jack Gilheaney saw red. Having won a free against Mark Hughes, Gilheaney pushed Hughes away, receiving a yellow card. Two yellows saw Gilheaney see the line.
The hosts took advantage as Gallagher sent over two points plus one from Rory Harkin had Longford home and hoses. Paul Keaney scored late-on. Mark Hughes fisted a point which Keaney cancelled out.
It mattered little as Longford won out 1-16 to 0-13. The results see's both sides on six points with two rounds of Allianz league division four remaining.
