- Deniese O'Flaherty
- Sat, Apr 05 2008
Longford Town and Kildare County both drew a blank in a dour and drab encounter that failed to really liven up. It was the visitor’s who were the better side and can count themselves unlucky not to come away with all three points.
After losing their last two games against Dundalk and Limerick the Town will be pleased to get a point they did not deserve. After making a terrific start to the season, performances in the last few games have not been good enough.
Town manager Aaron Callaghan made three changes from the team that lost 2-1 away to Limerick. Stephen Brennan made his debut partnering Ronan Frawley in the heart of defence. Gary Murphy returned on the wing after missing the game through injury and Alan Lynch started up front alongside Darren McKenna.
The home side were dealt a blow with just six minutes gone in the game when their leading goalscorer McKenna had to retire injured with Dean Barrett coming on in his place.
Ciaran Kilduff and Philip Gorman were a real threat up front and caused problems for the Longford Town defence. Kilduff had two good chances in, midway through the first half. Stephen Brennan, making his debut, put in a well timed tackle when the striker was through on goals and then Shay Kelly got down to save his low drive.
Four minutes from the interval Kilduff had a chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot but Kelly got down well to save his spot-kick.
County bossed possession in the second half but the home side had their chances. In the 62nd minute Gary Murphy had a great opportunity but his shot was cleared off the line by Paul Donnelly and from the resultant corner Ronan Frawley’s header was well gather by County keeper Charlie Tracey.
Six minutes later Kelly had to be on hand to palm away a shot by Barry Slattery. Town Capt Daire Doyle hit a cracking shot that was tipped over the crossbar by County keeper Charlie Tracey.
Nine minutes from the end Kilduff should’ve grabbed all three points for his side. Substitute John Broderick, who was just on the pitch four minutes, played in the striker but his shot hit the post when he was clean through on goals. Just before the end Town defender Ronan Frawley headed over from an Alan Lynch corner.
Longford Town: Shay Kelly; Luke Hardy, Stephen Brennan, Ronan Frawley, Ryan Casey; Gary Murphy (Keith Kelch 85), Damien Rushe, Daire Doyle, Iarfhlaith Davoren; Alan Lynch, Darren McKenna (Dean Barrett 6).
Subs not used: .
Booked: Rushe (40), Frawley (70).
Kildare County: Charlie Tracey; Alan Clark, John Brophy, Colin Fortune, Barry Clancy; Cathal Brady, Barry Slattery (John Broderick 77), Paul Donnelly, Kieran Harte; Philip Gorman, Ciaran Kilduff (Ger Robinson 89).
Subs not used: Eoin Kavanagh, Craig Berrigan, Austin O'Neill.
Referee: Tom Connolly.
Attendance: 500 (estimate).
