Athlone get FAI Cup replay against Longford

Longford Town 2 Athlone Town 2

Des Hope earned Athlone a replay on Monday night with a dramatic late equaliser before appearing to handle on the line in stoppage time.

Hope scrambled the ball home on 89 minutes as the First Division strugglers came back from 2-0 down.

Dean Fitzgerald headed Longford in front on seven minutes after Sean Prunty crossed following a superb 5-man move.

Eric Lavine shot home from Graham Gartland’s knock down from Dessie Baker’s free-kick to add the second on 23 minutes.

Athlone hit back on 32 minutes when Adrian Murphy drilled past Stephen O’Brien.

Athlone finished with ten men after Michael Harney was sent off for dissent in stoppage time.