Barden on song

Waterford raced into an early 0-4 to 0-1 lead at Pearse Park, but Longford got their act together and led 0-9 to 0-6 at the break…

Waterford raced into an early 0-4 to 0-1 lead at Pearse Park, but Longford got their act together and led 0-9 to 0-6 at the break, with Paul Barden scoring four points. Dessie Barry scored the goal in the 57th minute.

Longford: G Tonra; D Ledwith, G Brady, J Keegan; C Keogh, F McNamee (0-1), E Ledwith; A Keogh, D Hannify (0-1); T Smullen (0-1), C Hannify, D Blessington (0-1); D Barry (1-1, pointed free), P Davis (0-4), P Barden (0-5, three frees). Subs: M Mulleady for Smullen (half-time); B Burke for Keegan (55 mins); M O'Connor for Barry (57 mins).

Waterford: T Brennan; D Crotty, M Fenton, J Crotty; G Walsh, V Murphy, J Fitzgerald; R Power, F O'Brien (0-1); D Whelan, A Ahearne (0-2), R Hennessy; P Fitzgerald, P Foley (0-1), A Fitzger- ald (0-6, four frees). Sub: K Lonergan for Murphy (54 mins).

Referee: Gerry McGovern(Leitrim).