Monaghan hurlers beaten by in-form Longford

NHL Division 4 round 3

Monaghan 0-13

Longford 1-23

Fourteen-man Monaghan fell to a second defeat of the NHL when they lost out to Longford in Cloghan on Saturday, writes Colm Shalvey.

The point-taking of Reuben Murray and Martin Farrell helped Longford take charge of the first half with the breeze at their backs. They led by 0-12 to 0-3 at half-time, with Monaghan’s prospects of a comeback weakened by a red card for James Brady on 33 minutes.

The visitors put the result beyond doubt when Joe Rabbitt drilled home the only goal. Niall Arthur hit three points in a row as Monaghan attempted to battle back, but Longford finished with a flourish as they secured a third win that leaves them on par with Sligo at the top of the table.