National League/Longford Town - 1 St Patrick's Athletic - 0: Longford Town have certainly put their recent Uefa Cup disappointment behind them. Another victory on Saturday night moved them back up to fourth in the Premier Division.
St Patrick's should have gone in front after just four minutes, but Stephen O'Brien made a terrific save to deny Chris Armstrong. Longford's best chance of the opening half fell to Paul Keegan on the quarter-hour mark. However, the home striker blasted over from five yards out.
Longford had a terrific chance to hit the front in the 35th minute. Davey Byrne's defence-splitting pass left Dessie Baker in on goal. His shot, however, was well saved by Barry Ryan.
Both sides created plenty of chances. Robbie Doyle won't need reminding of his 60th-minute miss-kick that looked like giving St Patrick's the lead. He stumbled over the ball when it looked certain he would score.
At the other end, Longford's attacking options were increased with the introduction of Dave Mooney. The former Shamrock Rovers man had a legitimate penalty claim in the 70th minute, but referee Dave McKeon waved away the Longford protestations.
McKeon was kinder to Longford seven minutes later, pointing to the spot after harshly penalising the St Patrick's centre half Stephen Caffrey for handling Mooney's cross. Home skipper Barry Ferguson blasted home the penalty to give Longford victory.
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; O'Connor, Ferguson, Paisley, Prunty; Martin, Fitzgerald, Byrne, Cronin; Keegan, Baker. Subs: Mooney for Martin (70 mins), Myler for Keegan (89 mins)
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan; Prenderville, Caffrey, Maguire, Frost; O'Connor, Reilly, Maher, Donnelly, Doyle; Armstrong. Sub: Rowe for Maher (56 mins)
Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).
