Waterford Utd - 0 Longford Town - 1: Second from bottom Longford Town, who had only achieved one win in their previous 12 league games, got their season back on track at the RSC last night when they outplayed a disjointed Waterford United side.
Longford shocked the home side with a goal after 19 minutes that was a typical poacher's effort from Dessie Baker.
Eric Lavine floated the ball into space from the centre circle but Dave Mulcahy, who appeared to have the danger covered, attempted to shepherd the ball back to his goalkeeper, Dan Connor. All the time Baker needed was that moment of uncertainty and he stuck in his foot to stab the ball to the net.
The visitors should have gone further ahead on 37 minutes when Shane Barrett crossed from the left but the unmarked Alan Kirby crashed his shot off the crossbar from six yards.
The Blues might well have snatched the equaliser two minutes into the second half. A long ball out of defence by Mulcahy was carried forward by Darryl Murphy but his low shot across a crowded goalmouth was booted out for a corner by Graham Gartland.
There was drama on 59 minutes when Longford goalkeeper, Stephen O'Brien, was adjudged to have fouled Murphy and referee Dave McKeon immediately pointed to the penalty spot.
Willie Bruton stepped up to take the penalty and justice was probably served when his shot sailed over the bar.
WATERFORD UNITED: Connor, Browne, Carey, Reynolds (McCarthy, 25 mins), Mulcahy, Purcell, O'Brien (Banville, 57 mins), Clifford (Grant, 83 mins), Murphy, Bruton, Quitongo. Subs not used: Rockett, Hennessy.
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Murphy, Prunty, Perth, Ferguson, Gartland, Kirby, Fitzgerald (Martin, 95 mins), Lavine (Keegan, 85 mins), Baker, Barrett. Subs not used: Byrne, McGovern, Dempsey.
Referee: D McKeon, Dublin.
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