Mooney magic not enough for Longford

Longford Town 3 Derry City 1

Dave Mooney scored a hat-trick to finish the season as the league's top scorer with 19 goals.

But it wasn't enough as FAI Ford Cup finalists Longford were relegated on a sad night at Flancare Park.

Longford had the better of the early chances with Dessie Baker hitting a post and Mooney missing two openings.

But Derry stunned the home crowd on 43 minutes to punish bad defending.

Pat McCourt got away down the right to cross low. Keeper Shay Kelly didn't deal with it and the ball squirmed free for David McDaid to tap home.

But Town hit back to level in the final minute of the half.

Gary Deegan did well to feed the ball to Baker and his cross was volleyed home by Mooney.

Longford twice hit the post before Mooney finally gave them the lead on 72 minutes form the penalty spot after Peter Hutton had taken down Baker.

Mooney got his third two minutes from time. But with Waterford getting a point at Shamrock Rovers it meant Longford were relegated after seven years in the top flight.