A David McGivney inspired Longford side defeated neighbours Leitrim by 2-13 to 3-08 to book their place in the Hastings Cup Final . McGivney was in superb form throughout and when Longford found themselves down 14 men and the game evenly poised he sweetly struck over a free to edge his side ahead. Robbie Clarke grabbed the insurance point minutes later. McGivney though ended the game with a black card.
In a tight opening half there was very little between the sides. Longford led by two in the 17th minute but Keith Beirne, Ryan Reynolds and Conor Gaffney gave Leitrim the lead in the 25th minute.
One minute later Aidan McElligott fisted to the net to restore Longford’s lead. A free from McGivney and a neat Dessie Reynolds point gave Longford a four point lead going in at the break. The lead was five within the opening minute of the second half when McElligott set up Darragh Doherty for a point. The game though changed in Leitrim’s favour in the space of one minute when they got their first goal in the 42nd minute through Robbie Cunningham and a great finish from Jack Heslin one minute later edged Leitrim ahead by a point.
One minute later Aidan McElligott fisted to the net to restore Longford’s lead. A free from McGivney and a neat Dessie Reynolds point gave Longford a four point lead going in at the break. The lead was five within the opening minute of the second half when McElligott set up Darragh Doherty for a point. The game though changed in Leitrim’s favour in the space of one minute when they got their first goal in the 42nd minute through Robbie Cunningham and a great finish from Jack Heslin one minute later edged Leitrim ahead by a point.
Longford replied with a fantastic point from McGivney. Gaffney responded for Leitrim. Rian Brady hit over a fine point in the 49th minute to level matters. There was plenty of action in a frantic final 10 minutes. Keith Keegan hit over an excellent point to put Leitrim ahead in the 50th minute. The lead was then four when Oisin Madden found the back of the net after McGivney had done so well to block a goalbound shot. Longford though were back in the game in the 53rd minute when Leitrim keeper Jack Burke dragged down Doherty. Nigel Rabbitt stepped up and powerfully hit home the spot-kick. McGivney fired over his fourth free to draw Longford level in the 54th minute.
With time running out Longford sub Cillian Lee was sent off for a second yellow card but despite numerical advantage Leitrim couldn’t find a way back into the game. McGivney was on target again with a free in the 60th minute after Jayson Matthews was fouled. Clarke then put two between them in stoppage time and Longford were able to hold on for the win.
Longford: Micheal Hughes; James Moran, Ronan Sweeney, Conor Farrell; Cian Brady, Dessie Reynolds (0-2), Russell Brady; David McGivney (0-6,5f), Shane Kenny; Joe Kelly, Nigel Rabbitt (1-0,pen), Peter Lynn; Rian Brady (0-3,1f), Darragh Doherty (0-1), Connor Berry.
Subs used: Aidan McElligott (1-0), Eoin Higgins, Cillian Lee, Jayson Matthews, Ruairi Harkin, Robbie Clarke (0-1).
Subs used: Aidan McElligott (1-0), Eoin Higgins, Cillian Lee, Jayson Matthews, Ruairi Harkin, Robbie Clarke (0-1).
Leitrim: Jack Burke; Philip Dolan, David Mulvey Dean McGovern; Oisin Madden (1-0), Donal Feely, David Bruen; Francis Flynn, Conor Cullen; Conor Gaffney (0-2), Jack Heslin (1-0), Keith Keegan (0-1); Robbie Cunningham (1-0), Keith Beirne (0-3,2f), Ryan O’Rourke (0-2).
Subs used: Brian Leyden, Luke Murphy, James Mitchell.
Subs used: Brian Leyden, Luke Murphy, James Mitchell.
Referee: Conor Dourneen (Cavan)
