Tailteann Cup Preliminary Quarter-Final

Down 1-20 Longford 1-12

By Steve Malone at Páirc Esler

Down eventually earned a thrilling eight-point over an impressive Longford.

Played in Newry’s Pairc Esler, it was an exciting and entertaining contest with both teams putting the hunger to win ahead of a fear to lose. Down finished strongly and they’ll be confident whoever they face.

Longford led by goal at the break and they could have been further ahead but they spurned another two first half chances.

As it was, Joe Hagan’s clever goal separated the teams at half-time and only he spotted the opportunity when from 30-metres, he drilled low and the ball crept over the line. Goalkeeper Niall Kane atoned minutes later when he saved point blank from the same player.

With 10 minutes played Longford led 0-4 to 0-2 with Pat Havern on target for Down while Keelan McGann (after 29 seconds), Darragh Doherty, Patrick Fox and the brilliant Joe Hogan kicking over for the midlanders'.

Andrew Gilmore and Ceilum Doherty had the sides level briefly as Dessie Reynolds and two Hagan stunning points put Longford two clear.

Longford’s physicality troubled Down more than Down’s pace caused Longford bother. Liam Kerr broke a 12-minute scoring drought before Hagan’s cute goal on 28 minutes.

Down had created chances in front of goal, but got caught up in their own tangles of webs with over-passing and being hesitant to shoot, while Longford’s Andrew Farrell and Fox plucked possession from their grasp.

Down were awarded a penalty after Kerr was fouled, but Longford 'keeper Patrick Collum got a hand to Odhran Murdock’s effort for a great save and Gilmore’s free left a goal between the teams, 1-8 to 0-8.

The second half was nine minutes old when substitute Danny Magill showed a bit of magic as he rounded three blue shirts before coolly slotting his shot low into the far corner of the net.

Before that Ryan Moffett kicked an outstanding side-line kick over the bar and Dylan Farrell (free) extended Longford’s lead but substitute Ross Carr and Pat Havern hit back with points.

Donnach McAleenan’s last action before being substituted was steering down ahead on 47 minutes but Longford’s Darragh Doherty and Down’s Celium Doherty traded scores.

However, Down’s superior fitness started to show and their pace and direct running found Longford struggling to keep up.

Havern (free), Carr (mark), corner-back Paddy McCarthy and substitute Rory Mason had Down leading 1-16 to 1-12 as going into the final 10 minutes, in which period the Mourne men aimed to kill the game off with a goal.

However, it was at the other end that almost bagged a second goal as impressive full-back Andrew Farrell was denied a goal, first a brilliant block from Anthony Doherty and then a super save from 'keeper Kane.

Longford had found their second wind but their job made more difficult when Aaron Farrell was black-carded. There was a massive roar from the Páirc Esler home support when Havern stroked over his sixth point to make it a two-score game with a minute of normal time remaining.

Still, there was time for another twist and Kane again was called into action to save from Dessie Reynolds. With Longford going for broke, Down countered and Mason and Branagan stretched their lead to five points.

Longford finished the game with 13 players as Daire O’Brien black carded and there was just time for Mason to land his third point.

Down: Niall Kane, Anthony Doherty, Pierce Laverty, Patrick McCarthy, Gerard Collins, Ryan Magill, Daniel Guinness, Shane Annett, Odhran Murdock, Ceilum Doherty (0-1), Donnach McAleenan (0-1), Liam Kerr (0-1) Andrew Gilmore (0-2, 0-1 free), Pat Havern (0-6, 0-2 frees) Eugene Branagan (0-2).

Subs: Ross Carr (0-2, 0-1 mark) for Collins (32’), Danny Magill (1-0) for Annett (HT), Rory Mason (0-3, 0-1 free) for McAleenan (47’), Eamon Brown for Gilmore (54’), Miceal Rooney for Kerr (58’).

Longford: Patrick Collum, Patrick Fox (0-1), Andrew Farrell, Ryan Masterson, Iarla O’Sullivan, Michael Quinn, Peter Lynn, Ryan Moffett (0-1), Darren Gallagher, Joe Hagan (1-3), Dessie Reynolds (0-1), Aaron Farrell, Keelin McGann (0-2), Dylan Farrell (0-2, 0-1 45’ 0-1 free), Darragh Doherty (0-02, 0-1 free).

Subs: Barry O’Farrell for D Farrell (58), Matt Duffy for D Doherty (61’), Daire O’Brien for Reynolds (71’), Ruairi Harkin for Lynn (71’).

Referee: Anthony Nolan (Wicklow).