Longford survival chances received a major boost following a victory Westmeath in Allianz Football League division three at Cusack Park in Mullingar.
Billy O’Loughlin’s men led 0-8 to 0-7 at the break and a strong second half saw Longford record a four-point victory over the hosts who finished the game with 14 men.
Longford were slow starters and trailed 0-5 to 0-1 on 17 minutes; Darren Gallagher with the visitors’ opening score nine minutes prior.
Westmeath subsequently endured a barren spell lasting 13 minutes and Longford capitalised; points from Darren Gallagher (two) and Joseph Hagan left a single point between them.
The hosts restored their two-point cushion on 31 minutes before two points from Joseph Hagan and one from Dylan Farrell gave Longford a one-point buffer at half-time.
Westmeath made an explosive start to the second half and parity was restored 30 seconds after the restart when Nigel Harte slotted over a point.
A minute later the hosts were awarded a penalty but Longford breathed a sigh of relief when John Heslin’s effort was repelled by Paddy Collum.
Heslin subsequently gave Westmeath a one-point lead on 43 minutes before three successive points saw Longford move two points clear at the 50-minute mark.
The game was finely poised midway through the second half and a goal proved elusive for both sides who both missed opportunities on 56 minutes.
Firstly, Longford’s Jack Duggan tried his luck from 20 metres out while at the other end John Heslin was denied by an excellent block from Barry O’Farrell.
Westmeath were reduced to 14 men with seven minutes remaining when David Lynch was sent off as Longford held on for a four-point victory despite missing a few late opportunities.
