Robbie Smith’s last gasp pointed free saw Abbeylara defeat Longford Slashers 0-11 to 1-7 at Devine Park, Edgeworthstown.
Abbeylara were two points clear at half-time and the sides were level on four occasions before Smith landed the winning score 60 seconds from time.
Longford Slashers opened the scoring courtesy of Sean Morgan inside five minutes. Jason Kelly replied for Abbeylara three minutes later.
Gerard Flynn edged Slashers back in front on nine minutes. Smith replied with three scores including two frees as Abbeylara led 0-4 to 0-2, nine minutes later.
Abbeylara’s Cathal Gilligan added another point before Eoin McGuinness responded with Slashers’ first score in 21 minutes.
The goalkeeper landed a 45-metre kick on the stroke of half-time but Abbeylara still led 0-5 to 0-3.
Slashers opened up a one-point gap within five minutes of the restart. Scores from Darragh O’Connell (two) and Robert Clarke (free) made it 0-6 to 0-5.
Abbeylara eventually responded. Centre-back Bryan Masterson opened their second-half account and restored parity on 40 minutes.
Four minutes later, Slashers moved two points clear when Gerard Flynn found the net. However, Abbeylara found another gear thereafter.
Reece Reilly replied with two points in four minutes before edging Frankie Dolan’s men in front on 55 minutes; 0-10 to 1-6.
Darragh O’Connell brought Slashers level three minutes later before Smith held his nerve to land the winning score 60 seconds from time.
The result sees Abbeylara move up to second place in the group B table. Dromard remain on top following a 0-13 apiece draw with third-placed Mullinalaghta.
