Joe Manley’s first-half own goal gave Longford Town a 1-0 victory over Wexford in the SSE Airtricity First Division at Bishopsgate.
The visitors showed more attacking endeavour during the first half and will feel heavily disappointed with the manner of the defeat despite Town’s improved second-half display.
Wexford enjoyed more possession in the early stages and Ian Ryan’s men spurned two chances to break the deadlock inside 15 minutes.
On three minutes, Thomas Considine’s 20-yard effort went wide and 12 minutes later Eoin Farrell’s 25-yard volley was easily dealt with by Luke Dennison.
The visitors were lacking in attacking ruthlessness and suddenly went behind on 17 minutes.
Darren Clarke played in Sam Verdon who fired his low shot off the post before the retreating Manley guided the rebound into his own net.
Wexford could’ve pulled one back 18 minutes later. Dinny Corcoran connected with Conor Crowley’s left-wing cross and his 12-yard effort forced a near-post save by Dennison.
Wexford came close again two minutes later. McMenamy slipped in Verdon but was denied by Dennison’s stooping save, Len O’Sullivan cleared the rebound out of play.
The visitors could’ve equalised on 41 minutes but were denied by Dennison’s acrobatics. The town shot stopper tipped Harry Groome’s looping 25-yard effort over the crossbar.
Second-half
Wexford could’ve pulled one back within two minutes of the restart. Groome sent Ger Shortt through on goal and his effort was saved by Dennison’s leg.
The rebound was collected by Crowley who took his time before unleashing a shot that deflected off Aaron Robinson for a corner which Wexford couldn’t exploit.
Town came close again on 58 minutes. McMenamy collected a loose ball but his 20-yard effort deflected off Jordan Tallon and out for a corner which amounted to nothing.
Eight minutes later Dennison came to Town’s rescue again. Shortt connected with Crowley’s perfectly-weighted cross and his 20-yard effort forced an excellent save.
Town almost profited from sloppy goalkeeping seven minutes from time. Moody spilled McMenamy’s 40-yard free-kick but recovered well to make the save.
Four minutes later, Town were awarded a free-kick. Michael Barker latched onto McMenamy’s free-kick after he timed his run to perfection but headed straight at Moody.
Town could’ve embellished the scoreboard three minutes into injury time. McMenamy found Jordan Adeyemo in oceans of space only to hit the post from 20-yards.
Town emerged victorious, Gary Cronin's men have now moved nine points clear of fifth-placed Treaty United which gives their play-off hopes a major boost.
Longford Town: Luke Dennison; Shane Elworthy, Mick McDonnell, Michael Barker, Dylan Barnett, Dean McMenamy, Aaron Robinson (Brandon McCann 78); Darren Clarke (Kian Corbally 56), Sam Verdon (Adam Verdon 78), Mark Hanratty (Karl Chambers 56); Jordan Adeyemo.
Wexford FC: Alex Moody, Eoin Farrell (Paul Cleary 72), Joe Manley, Jordan Tallon, Len O’Sullivan; Harry Groome, Luka Lovic, Conor Crowley; Ger Shortt, Dinny Corcoran, Thomas Considine (Aaron Dobbs 72)
Referee: Alan Patchell
