Longford Town 2 Linfield 1:Two first-half goals and resolute second half defending were enough for Longford Town to see off Linfield in their Setanta Cup Group 1 fixture at a rain-soaked Flancare Park tonight.
In the first half Linfield had much of the possession but never really looked like threatening the Longford goal.
In fact it was only thanks to Linfield 'keeper Alan Mannus that Longford didn't open their account before the sixth minute as the Eircom League team brought the game to the visitors.
Although Mannus made a couple of good saves early on it was an error on his part that allowed defender Stephen Paisley nod home an in-swinging cross at the near post.
Longford doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when Andy Myler volleyed a cross from Dessie Baker into the back of the net giving the Linfield keeper no chance.
Linfield dominated the early exchanges in the second half but failed to trouble Stephen O'Brien's goal.
Longford's Shane Barrett was stretchered off and replaced by Alan Kirby after an off the ball incident on 55 minutes when Stephen Douglas elbowed him in the head. The referee failed to spot the incident but temperatures were being raised and moments later Michael Gault of Linfield got the first yellow card of the night for a late tackle.
Linfield continued to pressure and Longford were forced to defend in numbers, but David Larmour for one, was guilty of squandering their chances.
Myler made way for Eric Lavine on 64 minutes and within minutes the striker had a volleyed shot saved well by Mannus.
After that it was all Linfield who played some great passing football despite the driving rain. On 73 minutes O'Brien fell into his own net as he made a terrific save from a long range dipping shot from substitute Aidan O'Kane.
With five minutes to go the Linfield pressure finally paid off when a free kick was turned into the net after it was sent into the crowded Longford box. Paul McAreavey claimed it but it looked as if the last touch came from a Longford defender.
Despite a nervy last few minutes, Longford were never really in danger as they ran down the clock.