Murphy runs the show as Francis fires Longford to final

Longford Town 1Galway Utd 0

Galway hit the woodwork twice in the first half and were the better team in the opening period.

However, there was no doubting the Premier Division side's superiority on the resumption and Sean Francis scored the game's only goal in the 62nd minute.

Galway's attackers were causing headaches for the Longford defence early on. Benny Lawless shot just wide in the 11th minute, while eight minutes later, Mark Herrick headed straight at Longford keeper Stephen O'Brien.

Alan Murphy was proving a constant threat. The Galway striker hit the crossbar twice before half-time as Longford were out-played in front of goal.

They did create some chances Shane Barrett went close in the 21st minute and Sean Francis had a chance to put them in front with a 26th minute header but the home side were still struggling to come to terms with Galway.

It was a difference story on the resumption. Longford manager, Alan Matthews made some astute switches and, in particular, the move of Alan Murphy to midfield worked the oracle for his side.

Murphy was instrumental in everything good about Longford after the break.

Galway did not create a single chance in the second half. However, Longford were constantly throwing themselves forward.

Murphy had claims for a penalty in the 57th minute but referee Anthony Buttimer waved play on. However, the large home support did not have to wait much longer for the all-important score.

It came following a goalmouth scramble in the 61st minute. Graham Gartland's header was cleared off the line but top scorer Sean Francis was on hand to toe-poke the ball home from close range.

Longford missed a glorious chance of scoring a second when Shane Barrett was narrowly wide in the 75th minute and man-of-the-match Murphy brought a good save out of Galway keeper Robert Forde in injury time.

Galway never tested Longford after going behind and it's the midlanders who advance to play either Bohemians or St Pat's Athletic in the FAI cup final on October 26.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Murphy, Dillon, McGovern, Perth, Keogh, Kirby, Gartland, Barrett, Francis, Prunty, subs. Mulvihill for Keogh 73 mins, Kelly for Barrett 86 mins.

GALWAY UNITED: Forde, Keady, Quirke, Frawley, Carter, Fortune, Harty, Herrick, Moran, Murphy, Lawless, sub. Russell for Harty 65 mins.

Referee A. Buttimer (Cork).