A two-goal salvo in the second half saw Longford Town suffer a 2-0 defeat at home to Cork City in the First Division.
Stephen Henderson’s side now have two defeats from as many games after going down 3-2 to Finn Harps on the opening night.
It was the proverbial game of two halves at Bishopsgate. Town created plenty of chances during the first half but lacked the required potency to capitalise.
City were a rejuvenated side in the second half but crucially, Tim Clancy’s men made it count on the scoreboard.
Bastien Hery could’ve given Town the lead six minutes in. The Town midfielder miscued his effort completely after collecting Dean George’s left-wing cross.
Two minutes later, Town threatened again. Dean George collected Luke Wade Slater's stylish backheel pass before hitting the post from inside the box.
Important interventions from City goalkeeper Bradley Wade and defender Harry Nevin maintained parity on 12 minutes.
Firstly, Nevin cleared Adam Wixted’s teasing delivery out of play. Wade subsequently repelled an in swinging corner kick from Hery.
Opening chance
City’s first chance arrived on 25 minutes. Sean Murray’s 20-yard effort trickled narrowly wide.
Jack McCarthy would’ve felt massive relieved, the Town goalkeeper was badly positioned to save a more accurate effort.
Wade was called into action again on 35 minutes. The City goalkeeper produced a stunning save from Conor Crowley’s 30-yard free-kick.
City began the second-half with intent and almost took the lead on 54 minutes. Sean Murray connected with Nathan Wood’s cross and his header forced a fine save from McCarthy.
Four minutes later, City took the lead. Evan McLaughlin fired home from inside the box after Wood’s pass deflected off Jamie Egan’s foot.
Former Town striker Jack Doherty came back to haunt his former club on 76 minutes by finishing off a breakaway goal.
Cathal O’Sullivan dispossessed Kyle O’Connor inside the visitors’ half before completing a scintillating run into the Town box.
The onrushing McCarthy vacated the goals as O’Sullivan slipped it to Doherty. The latter fired into an empty net from six yards out.
City could’ve added a third goal five minutes from time. Substitute Aaron Healy connected with Doherty’s free-kick but couldn’t direct the header on target.
Ultimately, it ended in a second straight defeat for Town. The hosts are currently bottom of the table but have two games in hand.
Longford Town: Jack McCarthy, Shane Elworthy, Jamie Egan, Oisin Hand, Kyle O’Connor, Adam Wixted (Mohammed Boudiaf 67), Conor Crowley (Victor Serdeniuk 67), Bastien Hery, Luke Wade Slater (Karl Chambers 67) , Chris Lyons, Dean George (Samuel Clarke 46)
Cork City: Bradley Wade, Harry Nevin, Cian Coleman, Charlie Lyons, John O’Donovan, Greg Bolger (Aaran Walsh 80), Evan McLaughlin, Cathal O’Sullivan (Matthew Murray 89), Sean Murray, Jack Doherty (Jaden Umeh 87), Nathan Wood.
Referee: Jason Moore
