A goal in each half proved decisive as Longford Town cruised to a 2-0 win over Cobh Ramblers in the SSE Airtricity League first division at Bishopsgate.
Town finished the game 27 points clear of the visitors in the league table and the gulf in quality was notable throughout the contest.
Despite being strong favourites to win, the hosts knew there was no room for complacency and Gary Cronin’s men laid down an early marker by opening the scoring three minutes in.
Sam Verdon out-paced Brendan Frahill before his effort was kept out by Justin Eguaibor and the loose ball fell to Jordan Adeyemo who tapped in from six yards out.
Luke Dennison was called into action on 15 minutes; Sean McGrath sent Conor Drinan through on goal and his effort triggered a near-post save from the Town goalkeeper.
Adayemo’s pressing and movement was causing the visitors numerous problems during the opening stages and he audaciously tried to double Town’s advantage three minutes later.
He attempted a bicycle kick after collecting Dean McMenamy’s corner but skied his effort over the crossbar.
On 37 minutes, Town’s Eric Molloy finished to the net but the goal was ruled out for offside as it remained 1-0 at the break.
Town came close again eight minutes after the restart. Matthew O’Brien sent Adayemo away down the right and he pulled it back for Verdon who’s effort deflected off Eguaibor before hitting the crossbar and going out for a corner.
Two minutes later, Town were awarded another corner which Cobh failed to clear and the loose ball was collected by Dean McMenamy who’s 20-yard effort went wide.
Substitute Mark Hanratty registered Town’s second goal on 63 minutes; a spectacular effort from the edge of the box after he was teed up by Verdon.
Town’s superior cohesion was evident again four minutes from time. An impressive give-and-go between Hanratty and McMenamy culminated in a 20-yard effort from the latter which was easily dealt with by former Town goalkeeper Paul Hunt.
60 seconds later, O’Brien tried his luck from 30 yards out but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Cobh had a rare chance right at the death; Darragh O’Sullivan Connell’s free-kick was headed wide by Eguaibor resulting in both a clean sheet and a victory for Town.
Longford Town: Luke Dennison; Shane Elworthy, Mick McDonnell, Michael Barker, Dylan Barnett; Matthew O’Brien, Dean McMenamy; Darren Clarke (Darren Clarke 68), Sam Verdon (Adam Verdon 81), Eric Molloy (Mark Hanratty 46); Jordan Adeyemo (Christian Magerusan 81)
Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt; Charlie Fleming, Justin Eguaibor, Brendan Frahill, John Kavanagh (Liam Kerwick 83); Sean McGrath (Darragh O’Sullivan Connell 83), Jason Abbott (James O’Leary 68), Dale Holland (Pearse Phillips 68) Conor Drinan; Luke Desmond, Beneoin O’Brien Whitmarsh (Jake Hegarty 68).
Referee: Michael Connolly
