Longford Town grabbed all three points at the City Calling Stadium tonight but they left it very late to beat a gallant Wexford side who looked like they were never going to concede. Longford created the first half chance of note after three minutes
Longford Town grabbed all three points at the City Calling Stadium tonight but they left it very late to beat a gallant Wexford side who looked like they were never going to concede.
Longford created the first half chance of note after three minutes when Aaron Dobbs' effort was headed into the hands of Corey Chambers in the Wexford goal. Only two minutes later, Dean Byrne went close after a counter attack from the home side but his header lacked power and Chambers collected easily.
Longford's top scorer Dean Byrne (6 goals) had the opportunity to put Neale Fenn's side ahead on 25 minutes. Sam Verdon worked hard down the right and did well to get the ball across the box. It went over the head of the Wexford defence and fell kindly for Byrne but he blasted his shot low into the hands of Chambers.
Chambers kept Wexford in it just past the half hour mark when he produced a brilliant save from Conor Kenna's header from a corner.
The second half saw Longford take control of the game as they looked to close the gap on league leaders Shelbourne. Wexford had only a few opportunities in the second half but their best fell to sub John Peare who's low powerful shot tested Lee Steacy in the Longford goal.
Longford had the ball cleared off the line no less than three times in the second half in total. The first being cleared by Ryan Nolan after Aaron Dobbs glancing headwer caused a goal mouth scramble. Sam Verdon then had another chance from a 30 yard volley but Chambers, who was Wexford's man of the match, pulled off another brilliant save to deny Longford.
Longford's winner came very late and it was substitute Jamie Doyle who grabbed it. Well into injury time, Dean Zambra floated a lovely ball into the Wexford box and it fell for Doyle who turned onto his left and slotted it into the far corner. A cruel blow for Wexford who defended so well for a large part of the game but a fantastic result for the home side who march on in their aim for promotion.
