A late Cristian Magerusan double gave ten-man Longford Town a 3-2 victory over Treaty United at the Markets Field.
Town fell behind in the 12th minute. Almost a carbon copy of the decisive goal from last week’s 1-0 defeat to Cobh Ramblers.
Once again, a long throw provided the Launchpad. Lee Devitt flicked Marc Ludden’s delivery into the path of Adam Lennon whose header found the net.
Longford equalised seven minutes later. Gary Armstrong finding the net with a first-time effort inside the box after collecting Adam Wixted’s cross.
Seven minutes later, Jordan Adayemo was the protagonist as Town came close. Adayemo cut inside from the right, but his subsequent effort missed the target completely.
Dean George’s fifth goal of the season gave Treaty a 2-1 lead one minute before the break. The Treaty striker collected Devitt’s pass before firing past Jack Brady from 20-yards.
Treaty threatened again 13 minutes after the restart. George played in Stephen Christopher but his effort went the wrong side of the post.
On 65 minutes, Treaty substitute Conor Barry teed up Devitt, whose shot was deflected out for a corner which Treaty couldn’t exploit.
Fine goalkeeping from Chambers denied Town with a double save five minutes later.
Lewis Temple connected with Aaron Walsh’s cross but saw his header repelled by the Treaty shot-stopper. Chambers diving low to keep out Dylan Hand’s follow-up effort.
Another Town red card
Town’s task of overturning the deficit increased 12 minutes from time as the visitors were reduced to 10 men.
Aaron Walsh received a second yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Treaty substitute Willie Armshaw.
However, it was substitute Cristian Magerusan who made all the difference. Magerusan converting a superb free kick after he was fouled by Sean Guerins 20-yards from goal.
Sloppy defending paved the way for the winner deep into injury time, Magerusan bagging his fourth of the season.
Treaty failed to clear Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh’s teasing ball into the box for Magerusan to prod home.
The late victory sees Longford Town leap frog Treaty in the first division table.
Longford Town: Jack Brady, Shane Elworthy, Aaron Walsh, Lewis Temple, Kyle O’Connor, Victor Serdeniuk (Mohammed Boudiaf 85), Dylan Hand, Adam Wixted, Gary Armstrong (Joshua Giurgi 80), Ola Adeyemo (Cristian Magerusan 65), Jordan Adayemo (Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh 65)
Treaty United: Corey Chambers; Ben O’Riordan Sean Guerins, Mark Walsh, Marc Ludden, Adam Lennon (Willie Armshaw 62), Stephen Christopher (Conor Barry 62) , Colin Conroy, Lee Devitt, Dean George (Success Edogun 80), Enda Curran.
Referee: Ray Matthews
