Shelbourne rattled by lowly Longford

PREMIER Division newcomers Longford Town came within six minutes of snatching an amazing victory over leaders Shelbourne at Tolka Park last night. After taking the lead on 55 minutes with a Keith O'Connor goal, Longford were thwarted by a late equaliser from Shelbourne substitute Davy Byrne, which keeps his side on top of the table.

Baker, strangely off form this season, had a largely ineffective opening half, and with this threat withdrawn most of Shelbourne's efforts came from outside the area. Jonathan Prizeman had a shot palmed over the crossbar by Stephen O'Brien before Steve Williams, the Shelbourne goalkeeper, gifted Robbie Farrell a wonderful opportunity by misdirecting a clearance into the forward's path. With one touch, Farrell returned the ball goalwards but his shot shivered the post before going wide.

Longford's goal had an element of fortune about it. From Wes Byrne's angled free kick, the ball stumbled into O'Connor's path. His shot was initially blocked, but he seemed to regain control with the use of his arm before striking the ball beyond Williams.A goal for the good, Longford readjusted their tactics by withdrawing their midfield quartet into their own half. Their pace remained a threat on the counter-attack, but Shelbourne's pressure brought a penalty on 73 minutes whenStephen Gavin brought down Jim Crawford in the area. However, the penalty was struck weakly by Stephen Geoghegan, and O'Brien dived to his right to make the save.Shelbourne persisted, however, and six minutes from time their pressure found its reward when Richie Baker's cross was tapped in by Byrne.SHELBOURNE: Williams; Prizeman, Scully, McCarthy, Hutchinson; R Baker, Fenlon, Doolin, Keddy; S Geoghegan, Foran. Subs: D Bakerfor Foran (59 mins); Byrne for Doolin (68 mins); Crawford for Keddy (68 mins).LONGFORD: O'Brien; E Kenny, Smith, McNally, W Byrne; Gavin, S Byrne, Kelly, Coyle; Farrell, O'Connor. Subs: Zellor for Farrell (39 mins); Notaro for Coyle (68 mins); V Perth for Gavin (76 mins).Referee: E Barr (Dublin).