Longford Town resumed life in the SSE Airtricity League first division with a 0-0 draw with Cork City at Bishopsagte.
Cork City had the better of the first-half. Town showed more attacking threat in the second-half but both sides lacked a real cutting edge up front.
Town had the game’s first chance four minutes in. Ryan Graydon picked out Eric Molloy wide on the left, his 20-yard effort was saved by David Harrington.
19 minutes later, the Leesiders were awarded a free-kick when Michael McDonnell fouled Keating. He subsequently connected with Cian Baragry’s delivery and his header was parried away by Luke Dennison.
50 seconds later, Keating missed another chance for the opener. He showcased great improvisation to control a through ball from Aaron Bolger before shooting wide from six yards.
On 34 minutes, Ryan Graydon embarked on a weaving run, cutting inside from the right before Kevin O’Connor deflected his subsequent cross out for a corner-kick.
The visitors failed to clear Dylan Barnett’s delivery which found it’s way to Graydon who’s effort sailed over the crossbar leaving the game scoreless at the break.
Four minutes after the restart, Town were awarded a free-kick where Michael Barker deflected Dean McMenamy’s delivery into the path of Sam Verdon who subsequently headed over the crossbar.
A minute later, Town threatened again as Barker released Graydon wide right and his pull-back found McMenamy inside the box before his shot deflected off Kieran Coates for a corner.
Town came up short again on the hour mark; Darren Craven’s shot was blocked and the rebound fell to Aaron Robinson who volleyed wide from 20 yards.
Four minutes later, Coates deflected Barker’s right-wing cross into the path of Ryan Graydon who’s 20 yard effort went the wrong side of the post.
Town almost rued those opportunities when Cork City had a goal flagged offside with five minutes remaining.
Substitute Mark O’Mahony’s miscued shot fell to Cian Murphy inside the box, he drilled his shot low into the net only to see it ruled out.
Town were awarded a free-kick in the final minute of normal time but McMenamy’s shot was easily dealt with by Dennison.
Cork City had time for one last hurrah and were awarded a free-kick one minute into injury time. Matthew Dunne pushed Mark O’Mahony in the back.
Healy’s 25 yard free-kick found Barry Coffey who’s header forced a fingertip save from Dennison. The resultant corner-kick amounted to nothing and the match ended scoreless.
Longford Town: L Dennison; M Barker, M McDonnell, M Dunne, D Barnett; E Molloy (B Lynch 82), D McMenamy, A Robinson, D Craven, R Graydon; S Verdon
Cork City: D Harrington; K Coates, C Coleman, A Gilchrist, K O’Connor; C Bargary, M Srbely (M O’Mahony 84), B Coffey, A Bolger (M Healy 52); C Murphy, R Keating (D Crowley 70).
Referee: Michael Connolly
