NFL DIVISION FOUR: Longford 1-7 Roscommon 1-10:WHEN PAUL Barden fired home a cracking goal in the 14th minute of the second half it looked as if Longford would snatch victory yesterday – however, Roscommon rallied and, in the end, it was the visitors that came closest to taking both points at Pearse Park.

When Ger Heneghan shot over the bar in the 66th minute, the visitors were a point in front, but Longford, minus the services of key players including Brian Kavanagh, showed character in refusing to accept defeat and their perseverance was rewarded with a brilliant equalising score from Seán McCormack.

The corner forward landed a very difficult free from the sideline in the third minute of stoppage time to earn a share of the spoils.

LONGFORD:D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, D Reilly; S Mulligan, E Williams, P Foy; K Diffley, B McElvaney (0-1, free); P Barden (1-0), D McElligott, D Barden (0-1); N Farrell, P Dowd, S McCormack (0-5, three frees). Subs: M Brady for E Williams (inj ht); J McKenna for D Sheridan (inj 42 mins); N Mulligan for N Farrell (52 mins).

ROSCOMMON:M Miley; S McDermott, D Ward, S Ormsby (0-1); N Carty (0-1), D Keenan, S Purcell; M Finneran, K Higgins (0-1); D O'Gara, C Devaney, C Cregg; J Rogers (0-4, four frees), P Garvey, G Heneghan (0-2). Subs: S O'Grady for C Devaney (44 mins); C Shine (0-1) for P Garvey (53 mins); J Dunning for C Gregg (inj. 64 mins); F Cregg for D O'Gara (74 mins).

Referee:J Henry (Mayo).