Sport

Longford's time is up

Longford surrendered their O'Byrne Cup title when losing to Laois in this first-round game in Pearse Park, Longford after 30 …

Mon Jan 15 2001 - 00:00

Longford surrendered their O'Byrne Cup title when losing to Laois in this first-round game in Pearse Park, Longford after 30 minutes of extra-time.

Longford should have won this game in normal time, but a combination of some poor passing and terrible shooting was the reason for their defeat, having shot 20 wides in the opening 70 minutes.

Laois, too, were guilty of some very poor play and trailed for most of the game. They took the lead one minute from the end, but a fine Liam Keenan point levelled the scores at 10 points each to send the game into extra-time.

Laois then showed what they are capable of in the first half of extra-time, Brian Mangan finishing soccer-style to the net. He then followed up with a fine point from play and Laois went on to score 1-7 in the first period of extra-time.

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Longford replied with a great goal from David Barden after a good pass from Padraig Davis, but were playing catch-up for the remainder of the game, with both sides recording just two points each in the second period of extra-time.

Best for Laois was man of the match Michael Lawlor and he was well supported in attack by Ian Fitzgerald.

Best for Longford were Brendan Bourke and Enda Ledwith in defence, with Liam Keenan and David Hannify dominant in midfield.

LONGFORD: G Tonra; B Bourke, D Ledwith, C Drake; M Mulleady, E Ledwith, P Jones (0- 1); L Keenan (0-1), D Hannify (0-1), P Ross; T Smullen (0-3), D Bardon (1-1), J Martin (0-3, two frees), P Davis (0-3, one 45, one free), A Neilan. Subs: I Browne for Neilan (60 mins); W Scally (0-1) for Martin, M Connor for Jones (both 70 mins); J Martin for Davis (89); A O'Connor for Keenan (93).

LAOIS: G Scully; D Brennan, J O'Reilly, J Higgins; R McEvoy, P Conway, J P Kehoe; N Garvan, E Delaney; G Ramsbottom (0-1), I Fitzgerald (0-6, one free), M Lawlor (0-6, two frees); P Dunne (0-1), P Langton (0-1), C Conway (0-3, 1 free). Subs: C Parkinson for McEvoy, P McDonald for Kehoe (both half-time); K Kelly (45), B Mangan (1-1) (65), M Dunne (70), G Kavanagh (99).

Referee: K Levins (Louth).