LONGFORD BOOK A SPOT IN LAST FOUR WITH SHERIFF WIN

FOR the first time since 2007, Longford Town’s name will be in the hat for the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup after a fine win over Junior side Sheriff in this quarter-final. The home side dominated early proceedings with Sheriff keeper Peter Halpin twice denying David O’Sullivan in the opening quarter. The netminder pulled off a fine save with his feet in the fourth minute. In the 13th minute Halpin’s feet once again thwarted O’Sullivan. Stephen Rice had a chance before Kevin O’Connor’s 30-yard strike just shaved the crossbar. In the 25th minute the home side’s pressure paid off when O’Sullivan broke the deadlock, finishing Gary Shaw’s ball to the net. Town were made to rue not putting away early chances when Sheriff levelled matters in first-half stoppage time; Joseph Flood (below, right) beating Paul Hunt with a fantastic long-range strike. The home side made the perfect start to the second half and within the opening three minutes scored two goals. Aymen Ben Mohamed put them back in front in the 46th minute before O’Connor’s perfect pass found Lorcan Shannon two minutes later and he made no mistake. Sheriff had a chance to grab a second goal in the 52nd minute, but Hunt did very well to push Paul Murphy’s effort over the bar. Minutes later John Rock stepped up to take a free but the Town’s wall did their job and they were cleared. In the 75th minute Sheriff put the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. Town sat back on their lead and this invited Sheriff on to them. In the 78th minute substitute Darren O’Brien tested his luck but his 30yard strike just went over the bar. As the clock ticked down the visitors pressed hard to pull a goal back but the Town defence were resolute and stood firm. Just before the end Sheriff were reduced to 10 when sub

Darren O’Brien saw red.