Longford Town were given quite a scare by non-league Castlebar Celtic but progressed to the FAI cup third round.
The potential banana skin looked on for the Longford side as Castlebar took an early lead. Mark Cunningham finishing off some scrappy defending to give the hosts a fifth minute lead.
Town were level six minutes later through Daragh Murtagh. However, six minutes later Castelbar restored their lead through Eoghan Hughes.
The lead would last just two minutes. Murtagh grabbing his second after the hosts failed to deal with Stefan Ugbesia’s cross.
Murtagh had his hat-trick four minutes later finding the net to make it 3-2. However, again Town’s defence was caught out and Castlebar were level six minutes before half-time.
Jordan Loftus converting from the spot sent town keeper Kian Moore the wrong way sending the ball into the top right corner. The sides level 3-3 at half-time.
The league of Ireland side’s better fitness told in the second-half with Dean George grabbing what seemed the winner on 75 minutes.
Dean George puts Longford Town back in front!
The latest twist in this Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup classic. pic.twitter.com/4g1uau7724
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) July 20, 2025
Francis Campbell sealed victory for Town as he scrambled home Town’s fifth in the final minute of normal time. George added his second five minutes into injury time.
Longford Town advance to the third round of the FAI Cup, winning out 6-3.
