Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field witnessed a dramatic finish on as Longford secured a narrow victory over Waterford in a refixed Division 4 clash of the Allianz Football League. A late goal from Daniel Reynolds sealed a 1-18 to 3-14 win for Mike Solan’s side, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the closing moments.
The match, originally postponed due to an unplayable pitch in Round 1, proved to be a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Longford, still reeling from a coin-toss defeat in their O’Byrne Cup defence and a subsequent league loss to London, appeared to be heading for another setback against a Waterford team that had finished bottom of Division 4 for the past two seasons.
Waterford drew first blood with a goal from Aaron Ryan in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a period where they played with 14 men following a black card issued to Liam Mulligan. However, Longford responded swiftly, Dylan Farrell finding the net just three minutes later to level the score. Points from Reynolds and Peter Lynn propelled the midlanders into a slender lead, finishing the first half ahead 1-08 to 1-07.
The second half began with another goal, this time for Waterford courtesy of Darragh Walsh. Longford, however, wrestled back control for much of the third quarter, with Dessie Reynolds contributing a crucial two-pointer. They established a narrow advantage, seemingly poised to secure a much-needed win.
But the game was far from over. A late surge from Waterford saw them level the match with another goal, before taking the lead with a chaotic goal that put them three points ahead – 3-14 to 1-17 – on the stroke of full time. Just when it seemed Waterford had finally broken their losing streak, Longford mounted a remarkable comeback.
A free from Dylan Farrell narrowed the gap to two points, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. Then, in the 73rd minute, Daniel Reynolds struck, finding the net to snatch the win for Longford. The final whistle blew shortly after, confirming a 1-18 to 3-14 victory.
“The biggest bit of credit to the lads is we were three points down with two minutes and 20 [seconds] left in extra time and we dug it out,” Solan told Longford GAA after the game, highlighting the resilience and determination of his team.
The victory is a significant boost for Longford, particularly after their disappointing start to the league campaign. The loss to London had raised questions about their form, and a defeat against Waterford would have deepened those concerns. This win, secured in such dramatic fashion, provides a much-needed injection of confidence.
For Waterford, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, especially after appearing to have secured the win with a late goal. Despite showing glimpses of improvement, they remain without a victory in the league and will need to address their consistency if they are to climb the Division 4 table. The fact that they were able to compete so closely with Longford, however, suggests they are moving in the right direction.
The Allianz Football League continues next weekend with Round 3 fixtures. Longford will be hoping to build on this momentum, while Waterford will be looking to bounce back from this heartbreaking defeat. The competitive nature of Division 4 is already evident, with several teams vying for promotion and survival.
This match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Gaelic football and the importance of fighting until the very end. Longford’s late rally demonstrated their character and determination, while Waterford’s collapse highlighted the fine margins that often separate victory and defeat. The result will undoubtedly be discussed and analyzed for weeks to come, as both teams prepare for their upcoming challenges.
