Only goal decisive as Cavan finish strong to conquer Longford
Allianz National Hurling League Division 3B - Round 1
Cavan . . . . 1-13 Longford . . . 0-14
A surprise defeat was suffered against neighbouring rivals Cavan in the Division 3B clash at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday with the impressive centre-half-forward Canice Maher shooting a total of 1-8 for the visitors.
Former Kilkenny minor hurler Maher blasted an unstoppable free to the back of the net in the 44th minute to leave Cavan leading by 1-7 to 0-8 but Longford battled back with scores from Cathal Mullane keeping them in contention.
When Mullane fired over his seventh and final point in the 61st minute the home side were back in front and another score quickly followed from Reuben Murray to leave Longford looking poised for a positive result.
Trailing by 0-14 to 1-9, Cavan produced a strong finish that yielded four points in a row through Maher (3) and wing back Jack Barry to emerge victorious in a tight contest.
Longford’s league title hopes have taken a significant hit following this setback and next up for Adrian Moran’s men is a trip to Birmingham to face Warwickshire on Saturday February 25.
LONGFORD: Pat Burke; Johnny Casey, Karl Murray, Iarlaith Dolan; Adam Quinn, Charles Flynn, Francie Dolan; Paddy Lynam, David Buckley (0-2, frees); Dan Crossan, Ronan Sheahan, Reuben Murray (0-3); Cathal Mullane (0-7, 2 frees), Evan Tully, John Mulhern (0-1).
Subs:- Matthew Hawes (0-1) for E Tully (injured, 11 mins); Daire Regan for F Dolan (half-time); Liam Browne for R Sheahan (53 mins); Rory Maher for D Crossan (53 mins).
CAVAN: Darren Sheridan; Shane Briody, Dominic Crudden, Liam Og Cooke; Jack Barry (0-1), Cillian Sheanon, Matthew Hynes; Dillon Mulligan (0-1), Caolan Kelly; James Smith (0-1), Canice Maher (1-8, 6 frees), Colum Sheanon; Mark Moffett (0-1), Diarmaid Carney, Thomas Leonard.
Subs:- Conor Bannon for J Smith (injured, half-time); Anthony Sheridan (0-1) for T Leonard (half-time); Sean Keating for C Kelly (55 mins); Rian Delaney for M Moffett (injured, 59 mins).
Referee: Matthew Farrell (Roscommon).