Longford 2-16
Derry 2-14
LONGFORD SPRUNG A massive surprise with victory over Derry in Celtic Park this afternoon in the first round of the All-Ireland senior football qualifiers.
The result continued Longford’s brilliant record over Derry in the qualifiers and helped Jack Sheedy’s side recover from their Leinster quarter-final exit to Wexford.
In contrast Derry exit the championship in hugely disappointing fashion. Their 2014 campaign had looked so positive when they reached the Division 1 league final in April but a heavy defeat there against Dublin was followed by an Ulster loss at home to Donegal. Their miserable run continued today and their 2014 season now grinds to a halt.
Derry had started the game positively and looked to be in control when they lead by 0-7 to 0-3 after Mark Lynch pointed in the 25th minute. But Longford hit back with a great goal from Paul Barden helping them to a 1-6 to 0-7 interval lead.
Some quality points by Michael Quinn, Barry Gilleran and Barden stretched Longford’s advantage to 1-13 to 0-11 with 12 minutes remaining.
Derry then received a lifeline when Benny Heron raised a green flag in the 59th minute and then Lynch struck home a terrific goal four minutes later to bring the teams level at 1-14 to 2-11.
However Longford were not to be denied and finished powerfully. Mark Hughes bagged a crucial goal with Francis McGee and Brian Kavanagh adding the insurance points to help them advance.
