Updated at 17.12
Wicklow 1-15
Longford 0-16
SEANIE FURLONG WAS the star of the show as Wicklow claimed a Leinster SFC win over Longford at Aughrim.
Furlong’s second half goal was the decisive blow and though Longford rallied in the closing stages they couldn’t reel Wicklow in.
Harry Murphy’s side impressed in the early stages dealing with Longford’s attack and taking opportunities at the opposite end themselves.
Wicklow were slick and economical in the opening quarter as they converted chances even though Longford had plenty of possession.
A Seanie McCormack free nudged the visitors ahead, but Wicklow responded with a string of fine scores.
John McGrath, James Stafford, and Dean Healy all nailed points to edge Wicklow ahead, but Longford continued to probe.
Still midway through the half Wicklow led by 0-5 to 0-3 with Joey Kelly and Rory Finn splitting the uprights for the home side.
Then Anthony McLoughlin and Robbie Smyth traded points as Wicklow had a 0-6 to 0-4 cushion as the interval approached.
Wicklow continued to be sharp up front and they went five ahead before a Paul Barden score trimmed the deficit to four, 0-9 to 0-5.
After the restart Furlong bagged a smashing goal as Wicklow accumulated a 1-9 to 0-6 cushion, but Longford improved as the contest lingered on.
McCormack was kicking the frees with his usual conviction and by the 53rd minute Wicklow’s advantage had been reduced significantly to two points.
In the closing stages Longford poured forward scrambling to stay in the race for provincial honours, but Wicklow weren’t going to be denied as Furlong ensured the home team deservedly prevailed. Murphy’s charges will now host Meath at the same venue in a fortnight’s time.
Wicklow’s John McGrath celebrates.
Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Scorers for Wicklow: Seanie Furlong 1-5 (0-2f), Joey Kelly, Dean Healy, James Stafford 0-2 each, Rory Finn, Anthony McLoughlin, Patrick McWalter, John McGrath 0-1 each.
Scorers for Longford: Seanie McCormack 0-6 (0-5f), Paul Barden, Francis McGee, Donal McElligott 0-2 each, Robbie Smyth, Aidan Rowan, JJ Matthews, Bernard McElvaney 0-1 each.
WICKLOW: John Flynn; Ciaran Hyland, Damian Power, Alan Byrne; Darren Hayden, Patrick McWalter, Dean Healy; Anthony McLoughlin, Rory Finn; Darragh O’Sullivan, James Stafford, Joey Kelly; John McGrath, Seanie Furlong, Brendan McCrea.
Subs: Paddy Dalton for Kelly, Austin O’Malley for McCrea
LONGFORD: Damien Sheridan; Dermot Brady, Barry Gilleran, Declan Reilly; Colm P Smyth, Michael Quinn, Shane Mulligan; John Keegan, Michael Brady; Bernard McElvaney, Paul Barden, Padraig McCormack; Robbie Smyth, Francis McGee, Seanie McCormack.
Subs: Donal McElligott for Quinn, Aidan Rowan for Brady, Fergal Batrrim for C Smyth, Niall Mulligan for McElligott.
Referee: Barry Cassidy (Derry).
