Kelly hero for Longford
LONGFORD 1-8 SLIGO 0-9 NHL Division 3B final
Longford survived a strong revival by Sligo to win the title, and secure promotion, in a poor game in Carrick-on-Shannon.
A goal by Luke Kelly in the 13th minute gave Longford the upper hand and playing with a strong wind they dominated the first half to lead 1-5 to 0-3 at half-time.
Two Sligo points in the 46th and 48th minute kickstarted their revival but Joe O'Brien's accuracy from frees kept Longford's noses in front.
Sligo missed a gilt-edged goal chance to even matters when Keith Raymond's lob failed to cross the line with the 'keeper stranded, and a physically stronger Longford side held out to claim the honours.
Man of the match: T Roche (Longford)
SCORERS – Longford: J O'Brien 0-4 (3fs), L Kelly 1-0, E Donnellan (f), E Daly, J Newman, D Tanner 0-1 each.Sligo: G Waldron 0-4fs, L Reidy 0-2 (1f), D Collery, B McMahon, K Raymond 0-1 each.
LONGFORD – E Daly 7; P McGarry 6, R Breslin 6, B Stakem 6; C Egan 6, T Roche 8, K Murray 6; C Finucane 6, P Barden 6; L Kelly 7, K Connelly 6, E Donnellan 7; D Tanner,7, J Newman 7, J O'Brien 8. Sub: P Corcoran 6 for Kelly.
SLIGO – D Reidy 5; F Coyne 5, J Kelly 6, T Cawley 5; E McGowan 5, B Kenny 5, J Kenny 6; L Reidy 6, D Collery 6; A Morrison 5, R Cox 5, K Gilmartin 5; G Waldron 7, K Raymond 5, M Gilmartin 5. Subs: B McMahon 6 for Coyne, G Cadden 5 for Gilmartin.
REF – P O'Dwyer (Carlow).
Irish Independent
