Longford Town 1–2 Wexford: Visitors Snatch Comeback Win in Ireland First Division Thriller

Longford Town suffered a heartbreaking defeat at City Calling Stadium on July 26, 2026, as Wexford rallied from a goal down to claim a 2–1 victory. The result keeps Wexford’s promotion hopes alive while heaping pressure on Longford Town in the Ireland First Division standings.

First Half: Longford Take Control

Longford Town started brightly, pressing high and pinning Wexford back inside their own half. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when striker Shane O’Reilly latched onto a through ball from Jack Brady and slotted past the advancing Wexford goalkeeper Eoin Molloy. The home crowd erupted, and Longford seemed in full control.

Wexford struggled to create any meaningful chances in the first period, with their midfield overrun by Longford’s energetic trio of Darragh Keane, Conor Walsh, and Mark Duffy. Longford had further opportunities to double their lead, but O’Reilly fired wide from a good position in the 35th minute.

Second Half: Wexford’s Resurgence

Whatever Wexford manager Kevin O’Connor said at halftime worked wonders. The visitors emerged with renewed intensity, pressing higher and forcing errors. The equalizer came in the 56th minute when winger Ryan Power cut inside from the left and unleashed a curling shot that beat Longford goalkeeper Brian Houlihan at his near post.

Longford momentarily regained composure, but Wexford’s pressure told again in the 74th minute. A corner was partially cleared, and midfielder Lee Kavanagh pounced on the loose ball, driving a low shot through a crowded box and into the bottom corner. Longford pushed forward desperately in the closing stages but could not find an equalizer.

Tactical Story

Longford Town’s early dominance was built on quick transitions and high pressing, but they faded physically in the second half. Wexford adjusted by dropping deeper initially, then exploiting space behind Longford’s full-backs after the break. The introduction of substitute Niall O’Brien added pace to Wexford’s attack, proving decisive.

Standout Players

• Lee Kavanagh (Wexford) – The match-winner with a composed finish, and tireless work in midfield.
• Shane O’Reilly (Longford Town) – Took his goal well but faded as the game wore on.
• Eoin Molloy (Wexford) – Made crucial saves in the first half to keep his side in the game.

Impact on the League

Wexford’s victory lifts them into the top four of the Ireland First Division, while Longford Town slip to 7th. For Longford, this loss could be costly in their bid for a playoff spot. Next week, Longford face title-chasing Bray Wanderers, while Wexford host lowly Cobh Ramblers.