Longford Town suffer heavy defeat to Cork City

Longford Town’s winless start to the new season continues following a 4-1 defeat at home to leaders Cork City.

The Midlanders remain rooted to the bottom of the First Division table having failed to win any of their opening 10 games.

Town took an early lead but were practically anonymous thereafter. The Leesiders departed with a deserved victory.

Town made a dream start, the Midlanders took the lead as early as the second minute.

Mohammed Boudiaf connected with Kyle O’Connor’s left-wing cross but saw his header blocked by Evan McLaughlin.

Samuel Clarke collected the loose ball and pulled it back for Jordan Adayemo. The Town striker finished to the net inside the six-yard box.

15 minutes later the visitors pulled one back. Charlie Lyons headed home Greg Bolger’s corner kick. The corner was awarded when Jordan Tallon cleared Nathan Wood’s cross out of play.

City threatened again on 19 minutes. Nathan Wood was clean through on goal but couldn’t direct his curling shot on target from inside the box.

Longford were having difficulty defending set-pieces and it almost proved detrimental two minutes later. Jaden Umeh connected with Bolger’s corner but the City midfielder couldn’t direct his header on target.

City go infront

City took the lead on 23 minutes. The goal resulted from a free-kick awarded when Kyle O’Connor was adjudged to have fallen on top of the ball and handled it.

Cian Coleman connected with Evan McLaughlin’s delivery home and headed home unmarked for his third goal of the season. City held on to lead 2-1 at the break.

City thought they’d scored again two minutes after the restart only for the goal to be flagged offside. Charlie Lyons volleyed effort found the net after collecting a delightful overhead pass from Sean Murray.

City threatened again on 52 minutes. Sean Murray was denied by Town goalkeeper Jack McCarthy from point-blank range.

Four minutes later, City led 3-1 having exploited Town’s inability to defend set-pieces yet again. Firstly, substitute Cian Baragry attempted to evade Kyle O’Connor’s challenge and yielded a corner-kick.

Cian Coleman headed Evan McLaughlin’s delivery towards Charlie Lyons, the City defender headed to the net from six yards out.

Town had a rare opportunity on the hour mark. Conor Crowley saw his 20-yard effort repelled by City goalkeeper Bradley Wade.

Lack-luster final half-hour

The last was half-hour was lack-luster with a shortage of goalmouth action. However, City moved 4-1 up 60 seconds from time.

Tim Clancy’s men were awarded a corner after Sean Murray’s shot was deflected out of play by Dean O’Shea.

Coleman collected Murray’s teasing delivery and his first-time shot found the net resulting in a convincing victory for the Leesiders.

City have moved seven points clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Town are rooted to the bottom following six defeats from ten games.

Longford Town: Jack McCarthy, Luke Wade Slater, Jordon Tallon, Dean O’Shea, Mohammed Boudiaf, Adam Wixted (Callum Bonner 71), Ross Fay (Guilherme Rego Priosti 71), Samuel Clarke, Kyle O’Connor, Francis Campbell (Conor Crowley 54), Jordan Adayemo.

Cork City: Bradley Wade; Harry Nevin (Darragh Crowley 69), Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Evan McLaughlin; Nathan Wood, Greg Bolger (Niall Brookwell 80) Barry Coffey (Cathal O’Sullivan 46), Jaden Umeh (Joshua Fitzpatrick 46), Sean Murray; Cian Murphy (Cian Baragry 28).

Referee: Daryl Carolan