League of Ireland

Longford Town 2, St Patrick's Athletic 1While the title challenge of St Patrick's Athletic is fading rapidly, Longford's battle to avoid relegation is gaining momentum with every passing week. They showed character to come from behind and now lie four points adrift of Waterford at the foot of the Premier Division.

St Patrick's went in front after 15 minutes. Billy Gibson's cross was finished by Mark Quigley, albeit aided by a slight deflection.

This was no less than the Inchicore outfit merited, as they had been much sharper than the home side early on.

However, much against the run of play, Longford were back level seven minutes later when Dave Mooney notched up his 12th league goal of the season from the penalty spot. With their first meaningful attack John Reilly won possession for Longford just inside the St Patrick's half but was stopped illegally in his tracks by Stephen Paisley.

The Dublin side protested that the foul occurred outside the area but referee Richie Winter had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

The goal sparked Longford to life. They dominated for long periods thereafter and got a vital match-winning goal in the 67th minute when Damian Brennan bundled the ball home after good approach work from Kevin Doherty and Mark Rutherford.

LONGFORD TOWN:Kelly; Sullivan, Brennan, Doherty, Prunty; Rutherford, Freeman, Deegan, Duffy; Reilly (James 77), Mooney.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC:Ryan; Gibson, Brennan, Paisley, Frost; Guy (O'Connor 70), Ndo, Fahey, Kirby (O'Neill 74); Quigley (Barker 70), Fitzpatrick.

Referee:R Winter (Dublin).

Cork City v Bray Wanderers

Turner's Cross, today, 8.0

"We have to play ourselves out of it," admits defender Clive Delaney as Bray Wanderers bring a five-game losing streak to Cork City tonight. Delaney returns from suspension for Bray, as does midfielder Mark Duggan.

Left winger Liam Kearney is Cork manager Damien Richardson's chief concern as he has a knee injury. Midfielder Gareth Farrelly is a doubt with a groin strain while defender Seán Kelly is struggling with a knee injury.

Bray continue without the injured Colm Tresson (heel), Derek Tyrrell (hand) and Paul Dunphy (wrist), while Jay O'Shea, Gary McCabe and goalkeeper Steve Williams are doubtful starters.

Paul Caffrey, who has been out for five weeks after an appendix operation, could return. Striker John Mulroy is also back in squad . - Paul Buttner