Longford’s dream of All-Ireland glory dashed by Derry

Derry 3-13 Longford 1-3

Despite a dream start with a goal from right half forward Michael Kelly, after just four minutes of play, Longford were eventually forced to capitulate to a much classier and cuter Derry side.

Winners of the Leinster championship for the first time in 54 years, much was expected of Longford but at the end of the day their world of dreams came crashing down around them in a most disappointing game.

A most dashing and talented Derry side refused to let themselves be upset by Kelly’s early strike and gradually imposed their will and total dominance on the game.

The first chink in Longford’s brittle armour was exposed in the 13th minute when goalkeeper Gerard Evans, who had a nightmare outing to headquarters, took down full forward Paul Young, inside the square, and from the resultant penalty kick left half back Paul O'Hea made no mistake with a splendid conversion.

Much worse was to follow for Longford and goalkeeper Evans, six minutes before half time. The Longford goalkeeper tapped down a point scoring attempt from left corner forward Ciaran Mullan straight into the path of left half forward Conleth Moran and standing in splendid isolation the son of Donegal manager Nicky, scored from close range.

This goal from Moran tore the heart out of Longford’s challenge and boosted Derry’s confidence enormously.

Gaining in assurance and displaying a very high quality of skill, Derry with three points without reply from Mullan, Young and Moran, led convincingly by 2-6 to 1-2 at half time.

With a mountain to climb Longford desperately needed something miraculous to happen for them after the break if they were to stand any chance of qualifying for the All-Ireland final.

Longford did receive some cause for hope minutes after the re-start when a blistering drive from midfield player Fergus Kelly hit the cross bar and ballooned over for a point.

Astonishingly Longford failed to score again and when Mullan hit Derry’s third goal in the 39th minute after the ball rebounded off the upright the Ulster champions were home and dry.

Longford threw in the towel as a most authoritative Derry side romped to a final meeting with Meath.

Scorers - Derry: C. Mullan (1-4), C. Moran (1-2), P. O'Hea (1-0, pen), J. Bateson (0-3, 0-1 free), C. O'Kane (0-2), P. Young, B. McGoldrick (free) (0-1 each).

Longford: M. Kelly (1-0), F. Kelly (0-2), M. Hussey (0-1 free).

DERRY: E. McNicholl, M. McGoldrick, G. O'Kane, J. Keenan, C. McCallon, M. Lynch, P. O'Hea, P. Bradley, R. Convery, B. McGoldrick, C. O'Kane, C. Moran, J. Bateson, P. Young, C. Mullan. Subs: R. Murray for McCallon, A. Cassidy for B. McGoldrick, M. O'Brien for Bateson.

LONGFORD: G. Evans, N. Farrell, S. Smith, C. McKeon, D. Reilly, S. Mulligan, E. Finn, T. Murphy, F. Kelly, M. Kelly, E. Williams, J. O'Brien, P. Masterson, D. Farrell, M. Hussey. Subs: B. McCormack for McKeon, D. Hegarty for Finn.

Referee: J. Geaney (Cork).