GAA: NFL DIVISION FOUR: Longford 1-8 Leitrim 0-10IT WASN'T pretty but a win is a win and Longford's promotion hopes are back on track after a narrow victory over local neighbours Leitrim. A win for Glenn Ryan's charges next Sunday against Carlow at Pearse Park will see them play Division Three football next year.

A stunning goal from Paul Barden in the 16th minute and a point from Paddy Dowd gave Longford a four-point advantage with 18 minutes played. Despite being under pressure near the end Longford held out for a valuable win.

LONGFORD: D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, D Reilly; S Mulligan, D Masterson, N Farrell; M Brady, J O'Shea (0-1); D Barden, P Dowd (0-2), P Barden (1-2); D McElligott, B Kavanagh (0-1), S McCormack (0-1). Subs: N Mulligan for Brady (half-time), K Mulligan for Dowd (42 mins), P Foy (0-1) for S Mulligan (50 mins), F McGee for McCormack (56 mins).

LEITRIM: C McCrain; D Reynolds, R Gallagher, P Maguire; D Beck, G Reynolds, W McKeon (0-1); T Beirne, R Lowe; E Mulligan (0-3, frees), C Beirne (0-2, frees), C Sheridan, C Kelly (0-1), J Glancy (0-1), A Craol (0-2). Subs: B Prior for Sheridan and P McCowan for Kelly (both 61 mins). S Canning for Lowe (65 mins), R Cox for Glancy (68 mins).

Referee: J Curley (Meath).