Longford Town 2 - 0 Carmarthen Town

Longford Town claimed their first ever victory in European competition as they beat Welsh side Carmarthen Town in their UEFA Cup qualifier at Flancare Park.

Goals either side of half time from Stephen Paisley and Barry Ferguson ensured a deserved victory for the FAI Cup-holders over their out-of-season Welsh opponents who will just be glad to still be in with a chance when the two sides meet in the return leg in a fortnight.

Carmarthen started the game well and Longford goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien was forced to turn away Mark Dodds' left-foot drive before Daniel Thomas had a goalbound effort blocked by Ferguson inside the opening 10 minutes.


But Longford then lifted the tempo and controlled the rest of the game. However, Carmarthen defended bravely blocking everything the eircom Premier League side could throw at them with John Martin, Davy Byrne and Dean Fitzgerald all having shots blocked.

Carmarthen still had chances with Thomas almost getting on the end of a Neil Smothers pass in the 32nd minute only for O'Brien and Sean Dillon to both block.

But on the counter attack, Longford almost scored again with Paisley having a half-volley blocked once again.

Longford finally took the lead in the 35th minute when Paisley brilliantly beat Tony Pennock with a right-foot volley from the edge of the area after Fitzgerald picked him out with a cross.

The home side continued to push forward looking for a second goal and it arrived in the 55th minute when Alan Kirby's perfectly-flighted corner was powerfully headed home by captain Ferguson at the far post.

With a two-goal cushion, Longford did err on the side of caution for the rest of the game with the tempo of the match dropping while Carmarthen's frustration led to three of their players picking up bookings.

But there were still flashes of what Longford could do when they lifted the tempo with Pennock making a fine double save from Byrne and Martin in the 75th minute.