Longford complete surprise victory over Down

Longford 1-16 Down 0-14

An excellent first-half display paved the way for Longford to get a surprise win over Ulster opponents Down in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifier, Round One clash at Pearse Park.

The home supporters, who comprised the vast majority of the disappointing 1500 attendance, watched in delight as their side fired over from excellent scores.

Particularly outstanding was their lightning-quick midfielder Paul Barden who notched three cracking points in the first-half.

It was his younger brother David who scored the all-important only goal of the game with 14 minutes gone on the clock.