Longford Town take Kerry FC to register first away win of the season

Kerry FC . . . 2  Longford Town . . . 3

Leading 2-0 at half-time, the Town broke the deadlock in the 8th minute when Stephen Meaney found the back of the net after connecting with a cross from Joshua Giurgi. 

The second goal materialised just before the break. Kyle O’Connor and Stephen Meaney combined to force a corner which was taken by Aodh Dervin and ended up with Shane Elworthy hitting the target with a header. 

While Kerry got back in contention with a goal from Sean McGrath in the 62nd minute, the home side suffered a shattering blow soon after when they conceded an own goal.

Matt Keane headed the ball into his own net in the 68th minute following a cross from Adam Verdon but there was still a glimmer of hope for the League of Ireland newcomers when Ryan Kelliher scored in the 75th minute.

Longford managed to consolidate their slender lead during the remainder of the match in picking up another vital three points as they chase a promotion play-off place under the driving force of their vastly experienced manager Stephen Henderson. 

The Town are back in action against Treaty United at Bishopsgate on Saturday night next, kick-off 7.30pm. 

KERRY FC: Callan Scully; Rob Vasiu, Samuel Aladesanusi, Kevin Williams, Andy Quaid, Seán O’Connell; Toger Silong, Cian Barrett, Seán McGrath; Ryan Kelliher, Trpimir Vrljicak.

Subs:- Keane for Quaid (half-time), Gaxha for O’Connell (half-time), Nathan Gleeson for Vrljicak (half-time), Cianan Cooney for Silong (91 mins).

LONGFORD TOWN: Jack Brady; Shane Elworthy, Cian Byrne, Kyle O’Connor, Viktor Serdeniuk, Gary Armstrong, Adam Verdon, Aodh Dervin, Joshua Giurgi, Jamal Ibrahim, Stephen Meaney. 

Subs:- Derek Daly for Armstrong (72 mins), Emmanuel James for  Ibrahim (88 mins). 

REFEREE: Mark Houlihan.