Goals proved the difference in this championship meeting between Longford Slashers and Carrickedmond, as Slashers put four past their opponents.
The first two scores of the contest were goals for Longford Slashers! Ronan Sheahan struck first on four minutes before Captain Robert Clarke struck again after nine minutes.
Slashers first point of the evening came through their goalkeeper Eoin McGuiness. McGuinness sailed the ball over the bar from the deck for the opening two-pointer of the evening.
Carrickedmond opened their account after 13 minutes. Aidan McGuire raised a white flag, with his compatriot in the full forward line Marty Mulvey adding another point from the next phase of play.
Slasher’s led by six, 2-2 to 0-2 after 14 minutes. McGuiness made the trip up field again on 20 minutes. Landing his second two-pointer of the evening, making no mistake off the deck in striking the ball into the face of an oncoming breeze.
Indeed, Carrickedmond broke through for a goal of their own on 24 minutes. Midfielder Barry O’Farrell squaring the ball for the on-rushing Cormac Mulvey who palmed the ball into the Slasher’s net.
Indeed the momentum stayed with Carrickedmond. As they kicked the next two points, both coming from the boot of Brian Mulvey as the deficit was reduced back to two points.
Slashers got the final score of the half; Robert Clarke tapping over a simple free following a breach by Carrickedmond.
At half-time Longford Slashers led by three points, 2-5 to 1-5.
Slashers built on that lead with a goal coming in the opening minute of the second-half. Sean Clarke on target this time having been teed up by Darragh O’Connell. O'Connell had pounced on a short kick out from Garrett Higgins in the Carrickedmond goal.
Carrickedmond replied with a point from Brian Mulvey. However, from the subsequent kick-out Slashers broke down field with Robert Clarke finishing the ball to the net for their fourth goal of the evening.
Slashers in control in the second-half
After 34 minutes, Slashers moved into a nine-point lead; 4-9 to 1-9. Sean Clarke extended that lead with a point from play a minute later.
A combination of turnovers and dropped shots led to a 15-minute scoring drought in Dunbeggan.
The introduction of Slashers substitutes David O’Brien and Tadgh McNevin brought the barren spell to an end with a point each. Slashers now in a 12-point lead after 52 minutes.
Carrickedmond kicked three points between the 55th and 57th minutes with Brian Mulvey, Sean Kelly and Marty Mulvey all on target.
It was Slashers who registered the final two scores of the evening, securing an opening round victory in the Longford Senior Football Championship.
It finished a 12-point win for Longford Slashers in Dunbeggan, 4-12 to 1-09.
