Longford pay penalty as Cork complete hat-trick

Longford - 0 Cork City - 1:National League Premier Division: This was Cork City's third league victory over Longford Town this season but the Flancare Park boys have only themselves to blame as once again their inability to convert chances cost them dearly.

Cork created only two chances in the game and won. Longford created many more and enjoyed the lion's share of the early possession. Alan Kirby thought he had put them in front in the 11th minute but his well struck effort was somehow headed clear by former Longford player Greg O'Halloran.

Derek Coughlan headed narrowly wide for City just two minutes later but the large mid-week crowd had to wait a further 22 minutes for the game's next opening.

Again it fell to the home side with Eric Levine's effort deflected behind for a corner by Neal Horgan.

Cork's best chance of the half fell to Colin T O'Brien in the 37th minute. He found himself on the end of Kevin Doyle's cross but could only manage to direct his header over the crossbar with only goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien to beat.

Longford had another super chance to hit the front just five minutes from the break. However, Levine headed badly wide with City goalkeeper Michael Devine well beaten.

Brian McGovern and Sean Francis had further chances for the midlanders in the early stages of the second half. Sean Dillon and Paddy Mulvihill created further opportunities as Cork continued to struggle going forward.

However, they needn't have worried. Midfielder Colin T O'Brien was brought to ground inside the penalty area by Longford substitute Vinnie Perth and George O'Callaghan fired home the penalty.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Dillon, Gartland, McGovern, Ferguson, Keogh, Kirby, Sheridan, Levine, Francis, Prunty. Subs: Mulvihill for Prunty (71 mins); Perth for Sheridan (85 mins).

CORK CITY: Devine, Doyle, Horgan, K Murray, Coughlan, D Murray, CT O'Brien, O'Halloran, Kearney, O'Callaghan, Woods. Sub: Bennett for Doyle (93 mins).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin)