Longford Town 2 Dublin City 0: Dublin City, who were promoted from the first division last season, will make a quick return following last night's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Longford Town at Flancare Park.
After the events of the last seven days it came as no surprise that City simply weren't up for the battle.
The departure of Roddy Collins to Shamrock Rovers was a bitter pill to swallow for the Vikings as they looked out of sorts against a competent home side.
Longford hit the front after just six minutes. City midfielder Cathal O'Connor miscued inside the penalty area and John Martin was on hand to fire home his first goal of the night.
Longford continued to create chances in front of goal. Eric Lavine, Martin and Dessie Baker all should have done better when presented with chances.
The visitors' only serious chance of the night came in the 35th minute.
Home goalkeeper Michael Dempsey fumbled possession inside the penalty area. Robbie Farrell had the chance to shoot on goal but his effort was cleared off the line by Longford skipper Barry Ferguson.
The second half was a carbon copy of the opening 45 minutes as Longford continued to cut through a shaky visiting defence.
Chances fell to Seán Prunty, Alan Kirby, Dean Fitzgerald and Shame Barrett before Longford wrapped up the victory just eight minutes from time.
Fitzgerald cut through the centre of the Dublin defence before playing a perfect ball to Martin who smashed home his second goal of the evening.
City were reduced to 10 men in the 86th minute when referee Hugo Whoriskey sent off defender Scott Friel after his hefty challenge on home goalkeeper Dempsey
LONGFORD TOWN: Dempsey; Murphy, Paisley, Martin, Ferguson, Gartland, Kirby, Fitzgerald, Lavine, Baker, Prunty. Subs: Keegan, for Lavine (69 mins); Barrett for Baker (69 mins); Keogh for Fitzgerald (87 mins).
DUBLIN CITY: Horgan; Brennan, Rowland, T O'Connor, Friel, Tierney, C O'Connor, Hynes, O'Neill, Farrell, Rundle. Subs: Kenny for Hynes (62 mins); Courtney for Rundle (78 mins).
Referee: H Whoriskey (Dublin)
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