Longford happier with Carlisle Grounds stalemate

Bray Wanderers 2 Longford Town 2

David O’Sullivan hit a late equaliser as Longford Town came from 2-0 down to leave the Airtricity League promotion/relegation play-off on a knife edge after this gripping first leg at the Carlisle Grounds.

Veteran striker Jason Byrne looked to have Bray well in command with two predatory first half strikes.

But Longford responded well in the second half with Dean Ebbe pulling a goal back just past the hour mark before O’Sullivan hit his 27th goal of the season on 83 minutes to leave the First Division side with a slight edge going into Friday’s second leg at City Calling Stadium.

In an enthralling start to the match, Byrne had a goal disallowed for offside inside two minutes before giving Bray the lead six minutes later.

Ismahil Akinade’s left wing cross picked out in-rushing midfielder Kevin O’Connor, and when his lobbed shot came down after hitting the crossbar, Byrne was there to nod home.

Bray doubled their lead on 31 minutes. Midfielder Gary Dempsey put a fine ball over the top for the run of Byrne who finished with aplomb, lobbing Town 'keeper Bennion from some 25 yards with a stunning first touch for his 15th goal of the season.

Manager Tony Cousins rallied his Longford side at the interval and they had far more purpose about them from the resumption, getting a deserved goal back on 61 minutes.

Substitute Josh O’Hanlon squared the ball to set up Ebbe whose well-struck low drive had too much venom for Darren Quigley and found the net despite the 'keeper getting a touch.

Longford had the woodwork to thank on 75 minutes when Waters’ fiercely hit cross came back off the far post and was scrambled clear.

It was a let off Town availed of as they levelled this cracking first leg eight minutes later. Ryan Connolly’s free kick in from the left wasn’t defended well and O’Sullivan scored with a superb hooked volley from the edge of the area.