National League Premier Division/ Longford Town 0 Derry City 1: Derry City moved up one place to second position in the Eircom League Premier Division following this victory in Flancare Park.
Longford's deficiencies in front of goal were again in evidence, although the lack of scoring opportunities throughout this game was also a major contributing factor.
A full 18 minutes had elapsed before we had the first real chance in front of goal. Killian Brennan did brilliantly to weave his way down the left wing before crossing for Ciarán Martyn, who headed over.
Referee Alan Kelly was the busiest man on the pitch in the first half. He brandished three yellow cards in the opening quarter hour.
Longford created a couple of chances late on in the half. Both fell the way of Dessie Baker. His well struck free kick in the 41st minute was well saved by David Forde while the goalkeeper was once more called into action less than 60 seconds later, again saving from the Dubliner.
The game improved considerably after the restart. Both sides tried to push forward in search of that elusive lead goal and it eventually came Derry's way in the 72nd minute. Pat McCourt sent in a pinpoint delivery from a left-wing free kick and Martyn was on hand to volley home from inside the penalty area.
Dave Mooney replaced Alan Murphy and he gave the home side a new dimension in attack as he went close to levelling matters within a minute of his arrival. However, the two best chances in the closing stages fell to Derry striker, John O'Flynn, but he was denied by Shay Kelly.
LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly; Murphy (Mooney, 80 mins), Doherty, O'Connor, Paisley; J Martin, Gough, Kirby, Prunty; Myler, Baker.
DERRY CITY: Forde; Deery, Hutton, Oman, McCallion; McCourt, Molloy (Higgins, 71 mins), Martyn, Brennan; McHugh (Beckett, 71 mins), O'Flynn.
Referee: A Kelly (Cork)
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