A well-taken goal by Sean Hagan after 18 minutes proved to be the decisive score in Longford's narrow win over Wexford at Pearse Park.
Longford were the sharper side for the best part of the game and led 1-5 to 0-4 at the break, with Paul Barden landing three excellent points from play.
Two more points from the outstanding Barden in the second half consolidated Longford's grip on the game and with just seven minutes of normal time remaining they held a commanding 1-11 to 0-8 lead. However, Wexford kept plugging away and they gradually closed the gap with two points from substitute Martin Byrne and another from Scott Doran, but time ran out for the Slaneysiders.
LONGFORD: G Tonra; M Mulleady, D Ledwith, P Jones; P Ross, J Kenny, C Conefrey; E Barden, A Keogh; P Brady (0-1), S Hagan (1-1), P Barden (0-5); J Martin (0-1), N Sheridan, P Davis (0-3, 2 frees, 1 45). Subs: P O'Hara for Brady (52 mins); P Shanley for Martin (52 mins).
WEXFORD: O Murphy; C Morris, D Breen, P Kehoe; J Whelan, L O'Brien (0-4, 2 frees, 1 45), B Kavanagh; T Howlin J Foley; M Mahon (0-1), S Doran (0-2, 1 free), D Kinsella; P Colfer (0-1), J Lawlor (0-1), D Kent. Subs: B Doyle for D Kinsella (42 mins); M Byrne (0-2) for Kent (60 mins); B Kinsella for Foley (60 mins). Referee: J McKee (Armagh).
