McGivney fires dogged Longford to title shot

A STRONG finish to both halves enabled Longford to bridge a five-year gap when edging out Westmeath — who finished with 14 men — in last night’s Leinster Under-21 FC semi-final clash at Páirc Tailteann.

Despite leaving influential midfielder John Heslin, who was eligible again after suspension, on the bench, Westmeath were in control for much of the first half and with Conor Lynam converting three frees, they sailed into an advantage of 0-5 to 0-1 after 21 minutes.

Longford, who were missing centre-forward Padraig Gill, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, took a while to get going on the Navan pitch, where they shocked Meath two weeks earlier.