This game took on a new meaning at New Ross after Wexford were reduced to 14 players four minutes before the break when John Hegarty was sent off. Longford were ahead 1-5 to 0-5 at that stage the goal coming from half forward Paul Ross after 23 minutes. But with the home side feeling the pace in the second half it was Longford who went on to kick a succession of points before substitute Niall Sheridan found the net 10 minutes from the end to ensure full points for his side.

LONGFORD: G Tonra; B Burke, D Ledwith, E Ledwith; M Mulleady, D Blessington (0-1), P Jones; D Hanniffy (0-2), L Keenan; D Barden (0-1), P Barden (0-4), P Ross (1-0); J Martin (0-3), P Davis (0-4), A Neilan. Subs: C Drea for Jones; N Sheridan (1-1) for Neilan; P Brady for Davis; M Lennon for Ross; A O'Connor for Keenan.

WEXFORD: O Murphy; C Morris, P Wallace, F Wallace; D Breen, D Murphy, P Forde; I Wickham (0-1), P Colfer; L O'Brien (0-4), M Mahon, J Whelan; J Lawlor (0-1), J Hegarty (0-1), M Forde (0-3). Subs: J Foley for Hegarty; M Travers for F Wallace; D Redmond for Colfer; N Murphy for Whelan; B Byrne for Mahon.

Referee: J Smith (Meath).