Longwood got their league campaign off to a winning start with victory over a game St Ultan’s team on Tuesday evening.

Despite the rain-softened ground, the pitch held up well and both teams served up a highly entertaining game of football for the hardy souls in attendance.

Despite the concession of an early goal, Longwood were in control for much of the opening half. The home team registered three goals of their own courtesy of Anthony Healy, Ryan Moore and Gavin Griffith and they were backed up by some excellent points from Louis Butler, Sean Coloe and Brian Stagg.

The third quarter saw St Ultan’s make a strong push to get back into the contest but Longwood managed to keep them at arm’s length, thanks in no small measure to an excellent penalty save from Ross Healy.

Anthony Healy’s second goal proved to be the clinching score and Longwood ran out deserving winners.

Longwood: Ross Healy, Mark Kennedy, Adam Leacy, Donal Stagg, Ross Kerrigan (0-1), Thomas O’Brien, David Coloe, Sean Coloe (0-5), Brian Stagg (0-1), Ben McLoughlin, Ryan Moore (1-4), Gavin Griffith (1-2), Louis Butler (0-1), Anthony Healy (2-0), Sam Dixon. Subs: Kieran Murtagh, Daniel Fahy, Jason Kerrigan

Next up for Longwood is a trip to Ballinacree on Saturday evening to take on St Brigid’s in the second round of the league. In the meantime, our reserve team travel to Meath Hill on Thursday evening to take on their hosts in the Reserve Cup Final.