Barry McNulty’s last-gasp pointed free gave Leitrim a one-point victory over Longford following a tight contest at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.
It was an intriguing contest with Leitrim eventually winning 2-12 to 0-17, their second Tailteann Cup win from as many games. Andy Moran’s men are now through to the knockout stages.
Longford’s hopes of progressing are in serious doubt having suffered two straight defeats, including a heavy beating at the hands of Kildare in round one.
The opening quarter set the tone for a tight contest. The sides were deadlocked at three points each on 14 minutes.
Nevin O’Donnell, Darragh Rooney and Barry McNulty accounted for Leitrim’s opening scores. Dessie Reynolds, Jayson Matthews and Aaron Farrell were on target for Longford.
Leitrim moved two points clear on 24 minutes. Ryan O’Rourke scored a penalty goal after Dessie Reynolds fouled Barry McNulty in the square.
Leitrim moved three points clear on two further occasions, each time Longford made it a two-point game.
Dessie Reynolds and Riordan O’Rourke subsequently traded scores before Longford’s Daniel Reynolds made it a one-point game at the break; Leitrim led 1-6 to 0-8.
Longford’s Cathal McCabe levelled the game two minutes into the second half, however Leitrim quickly regained the upper hand.
Barry McNulty registered Leitrim’s second goal two minutes later as Leitrim led 2-7 to 0-9.
Riordan O’Rourke pushed Leitrim four points clear on 45 minutes, 11 minutes later Darren Gallagher made it a one-point game.
Exciting finish
Barry McNulty restored Leitrim’s three-point cushion on 59 minutes. Scores from Aaron Farrell, Dessie Reynolds and Darren Gallagher levelled the game three minutes from time.
Tom Prior edged Leitrim in front within 60 seconds before Mark Hughes restored parity two minutes into injury time.
A draw appeared to be on the cards before McNulty’s last-gasp winner saw Leitrim maintain their perfect record.
Leitrim have booked their place in the next phase of the Tailteann Cup with one game remaining against Kildare. However, Longford must beat Waterford and await on other results to progress to the preliminary quarter-final.
The Tailteann Cup Group 1 Table after Round 2
Waterford 0-06 v 5-15 Kildare
Longford 0-17 v 2-12 LeitrimKildare and Leitrim advance to the next round. #TheTailteannCup #GAA #Football #Kildare #Leitrim #Longford #Waterford #GAALeagueTables pic.twitter.com/MkfXhH9Dxw
— GAA League Tables (@GAALeagueTables) May 19, 2024
