Longford lose first Setanta Cup game

Glentoran 2 Longford Town 1

Match sharpness proved crucial as Longford suffered defeat at The Oval in the opening game of the Setanta Cup.

Town were excellent in the first half, but a stunning Michael Halliday goal on 48 minutes knocked them out of their stride.

Halliday found the top corner with a super volley from 20 yards to give Town keeper Stephen O’Brien no chance.

Another superb goal on 65 minute killed off Town.

Gavin Melough put Stephen Parkhouse in and his finish was calmness personified.

Paul Keegan’s glancing header from a Sean Dillon cross on 83 minutes gave Town hope, but Glentoran held on to win.