Longford Town 2 Fanad United 0:Knock-out competition specialists Longford Town had little difficulty in advancing to the Ford FAI Cup quarter-finals when they had plenty to spare against Fanad United at Flancare Park on Saturday.
The non-league side are in close season at the moment and this handicap made their task even more difficult against the in-form midland team.
The home side did not have to wait long to hit the front.
John Doherty gave away a needless corner and Dessie Baker's kick was neatly despatched by the unmarked Kevin Doherty.
Dave Mooney had a chance to double the home side's lead in the 20th minute.
The striker skipped past three defenders but his strike hit the side netting.
Longford did extend their lead in the 25th minute. Dave Mooney grabbed his 13th goal of the season, smashing the ball past Darren Nash in the Fanad goal.
Paddy McNulty had Fanad's only chance of the night in the 36th minute. The striker got in behind the Longford defence but his shot was well saved by Shay Kelly.
Robbie Martin went close to extending the home side's lead in first-half injury-time. However, his fine strike effort whizzed just past the post. Longford controlled the second half. Mooney had a number of good opportunities to add to their tally.
LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly; Sullivan, Brennan, Doherty, Prunty; Martin (Rutherford, 45 mins), Freeman, Deegan, Duffy; Baker (Wexler, 87 mins), Mooney (Reilly, 90 mins).
FANAD UNITED: Nash; S Friel, Gorman, Doherty, Sweeney; P Friel, Conaghan (Patton, 50 mins), Lynch, P McGranaghan; Hagan (G McGranaghan, 77 mins), McNulty.
Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).
