Longford ladies hammer Wexford when returning to winning ways

21.02.10 | Longford 1-13 Wexford 1-2

A much-improved Longford side showed up to Emmet Park to take on Wexford on Sunday last in round three of the Ladies National Football League Division 3.

After a disappointing defeat to neighbouring rivals, Cavan, the previous week, Longford were determined to get back on track. Enda Williams, with the aid of his selectors, lined out the team with a few notable changes that proved to work for them well.

Longford opened the encounter just a minute into the game with a free from Denise Murtagh who was on target right throughout the game.

Edel Quinn added another moments later before Denise Murtagh broke through the Wexford defence and fired pass the Wexford keeper Mary Rose Kelly with a well finished shot.

Longford were then thrown a hard blow when Sharon Treacy had to retired early from the game with just 6 minutes gone. Adrianna Melia replaced the injured Treacy and ably stepped up to the task.

The Wexford forwards found it very hard to break down the Longford defence and at times when they seemed to be progressing, the Longford side somehow managed to clear the danger.

Yvonne Barden made a great run from defence and linked up with Alice Magan who broke away from her marker. Magan found the on fire Murtagh but was fouled on the ball.

Murtagh slotted over another free to keep Longford going strong. The first half saw great football being played by both sets of teams, great tackling and fearless interceptions being made.

Mairead Moore and Michelle Ross made great interceptions to keep the Wexford side scoreless. Edel Quinn then found Anne-Marie Bratten to slotted another point over for the home side.

Moments later Wexford’s first score came from a free on 22 minutes from Tara Moloney. Denise Murtagh soon cancelled that out with another free minutes later.

Edel Quinn found range with an excellent effort on the 25th minute before Murtagh finished off the half with another free.

Longford went in at half time the happier team and this was mainly due to the excellent support runs and tackling they were making with the half time score reading Longford 1-7 Wexford 0-1.

After a fast moving first half the second half got under way with one change to the Longford side seeing the introduction of Orla Noonan for the injured Alice Magan.

Denise Murtagh tagged another two points on from frees in the 1st and 11th minute. Siobhan McGowan was extremely unlucky not to add her name to the score sheet when her fisted effort hit the upright and went wide.

Wexford then got two frees after 13 minutes. Moloney unfortunately kicked the first free wide of the target but made up for it then moments later when her second effort dropped short and ended up in the back of Michelle Kilkenny’s net.

After this both sides remained scoreless for a 10 minute period with excellent defending on both parts. Marie Brady came on for Donna Leavy in the 19th minute. Jacinta Brady was on flying form in the centre of the field and made her presence felt on numerous occasions.

Substitute Orla Noonan also made great runs and supplied her team-mates with plenty of support. Antoinette Brady and Mairead Moore were clearing a lot for the Longford defence.

Before being replaced Denise tagged another 2 points from frees on to her tally for the day. Mary Kiernan, Clara Melia and Úna Flynn replaced Murtagh, McDonnell and Antoinette Brady.

Substitute for Wexford Maeve Hughes added a point for the Wexford side seconds after her introduction and was very unlucky to be denied a goal by keeper Michelle Kilkenny.

Longford finished strong with points from Mary Kiernan, Jacinta Brady and Úna Flynn - to finish off a great display of football from Williams’s women.

Wexford had several chances throughout the match to get on the scoreboard but their shooting on the day really let them down.

Longford on the day were much the stronger team cleared off any cobwebs they might have after the Cavan match. Longford were best served for on the day in defence by Antoinette Brady, Yvonne Barden, Mairead Moore and Michelle Ross.

In the centre of the field Jacinta Brady found herself all over the field and in the forwards Denise Murtagh, Anne-Marie Bratten and Edel Quinn played very well.

LONGFORD: Michelle Kilkenny, Antoinette Brady, Yvonne Barden,Sharon Treacy, Mairead Moore, Michelle Ross, Donna Leavy, Elizabeth Brady, Jacinta Brady, Alice Magan, Siobhan McGowan, Anne-Marie Bratten, Denise Murtagh,.Edel Quinn, Anna McDonnell.

SUBS USED:- Adrianna Melia, Orla Noonan Marie Brady, Úna Flynn, Mary Kiernan, Clara Melia.