Monaghan make a point

If Longford's aim is to remain in the Eircom league Premier Division, then they will have to start putting away some of the many scoring chances they are creating.

Monaghan took advantage of the home side's failure in front of the posts to collect only their second point of the season at Flancare Park on Saturday night.

The visitors had many clear-cut chances themselves over the 90 minutes; but there was no doubting the home side's territorial domination.

This was generally a poor game between two of the league's basement sides and a point apiece will do little to increase confidence in either camp.

Despite no lack of effort by both sides there was no score in the opening period. Keith O'Connor caused a lot of trouble for the visitors' defence and Monaghan were under constant pressure in the half.

But Monaghan came closest to scoring, on 40 minutes, when Trevor Vaughan's powerful drive hit the cross-bar before going over. The visitors enjoyed their best spell of the game early in the second half.

They were rewarded for their perseverance when Vaughan fired them into a 58th minute lead, tucking the ball away from Brian Mooney's pass.

This advantage was short-lived, however, as Longford soon assumed control and were back on level terms just 12 minutes later.

It was Stuart Byrne who levelled matters for Longford after heading home Alan Kirby's well-directed corner.

Substitute Tommy Byrne could have given Monaghan all three points; but his 78th-minute strike cannoned off the right-hand post before going wide.

Longford thought they had stolen all three points in the 84th minute; but Eric Lavine's chip came back off the inside of Robert Forde's left-hand upright.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Morphia W Byrne, Perth, Smith, S Byrne, Kariba, Reynolds, Lavine, O'Connor, Gain. Subs: Kenny for W Byrne (half time); Seller for O'Connor (82 mains); Hot for Reynolds (85 mains).

MONAGHAN UNITED: Forde; White, O'Callaghan, Branting, Scull, Shield, Mooney, Morphia, Valuing, McKenna, Lindy, Subs: Byrne for Lindy (63 mains); Brake for Mooney (90 mains).

Referee: J Feighrey (Dublin) replaced at half time by J Stacey (Athlone).