REPORT: SSE AIRTRICITY MEN’S FIRST DIVISION ROUND 28
Kerry FC 1-0 Longford Town
Kerry FC welcomed Longford Town to Mounthawk Park for the second time this season as they faced off for the final time in 2025. Last time out against Longford, they took the three points at Bishopsgate, whereas the same fixture in Tralee back in May finished in a 2-0 win for Kerry FC.
Kerry were going into the game on a high after last week’s win in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup, whereas Longford were knocked out in an intense battle against Shamrock Rovers.
Both sides knew a win here would put them closer to further progression up the league table. It was a game with big potential, and the Mounthawk Park crowd were well up for it.
First Half
The opening exchanges were cagey, both teams mindful of giving away an early advantage. Kerry’s first real look at goal came in the 19th minute when Joe Adams let fly from distance. The winger’s ambitious strike had the crowd briefly on edge, but his effort dragged wide of the post. Still, it signalled intent from the home side, who were keen to test Longford’s rear-guard.
Kerry continued to probe, with pressure in midfield and sharp transitions. The game’s first booking came in the 24th minute when Carl Mujaguzi found his name in the referee’s notebook for a mistimed challenge. The foul highlighted Longford’s growing frustration at Kerry’s control of possession.
Kevin Williams looked lively down the right flank and nearly made the breakthrough just before the half-hour mark. His direct running caused problems, and his cross had promise before being smartly intercepted by Longford goalkeeper Harry Halwax.
Moments later, Oran Crowe almost carved out the opener for Kerry with a dazzling display of footwork. Beating his marker with a clever feint, Crowe tested Halwax with two long-range strikes in quick succession, both of which the Longford shot-stopper dealt with confidently. The pressure was building, and Kerry looked more likely to break the deadlock.
From the resulting corner in the 33rd minute, Niall Brookwell rose highest, only to see his header sail narrowly over the bar. It was a real let-off for Longford, who were struggling to contain Kerry’s energy in attack.
As the half wound down, Kerry continued to pepper the Longford goal. In the 43rd minute, Brosnan tried to catch Halwax off guard with a speculative effort that forced the keeper into action. Then, right on the stroke of halftime, Brosnan again came close, racing clear on a quick counter-attack before dragging his shot wide of the far post.
Despite Kerry’s dominance, the sides went in at the interval deadlocked at 0–0. The hosts had created better chances, but Longford’s goalkeeper and a lack of precision in front of goal kept the game scoreless.
Second Half
The second half began much as the first had ended, with Kerry showing greater purpose and invention in attack. Their persistence was rewarded in the 52nd minute with a goal that brought the Mounthawk Park crowd to its feet.
The move started with Robbie Cleary, who produced a breathtaking solo run, weaving past multiple Longford defenders and carrying the ball deep into enemy territory. As the defence scrambled to close him down, Cleary laid the ball off at the perfect moment. Waiting in space was Cian Brosnan, who showed great composure to guide the ball past Halwax with a tidy finish. The stadium erupted, and Kerry had the lead their performance deserved.
The goal injected confidence into the hosts, who looked briefly as though they might push on to extend their advantage. Brosnan remained central to Kerry’s attacking play, buzzing around the Longford back line and constantly seeking to exploit gaps.
By the 60th minute, Brosnan’s evening came to an end as manager Colin Healy turned to his bench. Ryan Perez replaced the goal-scorer, a move that ensured fresh legs in attack while giving Brosnan the ovation he merited.
The match grew more scrappy as Longford sought a way back. A yellow card for Francis Campbell in the 65th minute underlined the visitors’ increasing desperation. Kerry, meanwhile, were happy to settle into a compact shape, relying on their defence to frustrate the opposition.
As the game entered its final quarter, Kerry began to manage the contest with maturity. Healy looked to his bench again, bringing on Arran Healy for Joe Adams in the 82nd minute, shoring up the midfield and adding defensive stability.
Longford continued to chase the game, but clear chances were hard to come by. When Kevin Williams managed to slip into the six-yard box in the 84th minute, Halwax reacted quickly to smother the danger before the ball could fall kindly to a teammate. It was a reminder that Kerry could not afford to relax.
With 90 minutes approaching, the fourth official signalled four minutes of additional time, raising the tension among home supporters. Kerry made their final change, with Sam Aladesanusi coming on for the tireless Cleary, whose earlier run had paved the way for the decisive goal.
The closing stages were not without drama. Kevin Williams, already on a booking, received a second yellow card and his marching orders. Kerry were reduced to ten men in stoppage time, a situation that might have spelt disaster. But the defensive unit held firm, repelling Longford’s late surges and refusing to allow a clear opportunity.
When the referee’s whistle finally sounded, relief and jubilation swept through the ground. Kerry FC had held on for a priceless 1–0 victory, thanks to their defensive resilience and Brosnan’s clinical finish.
This was a match that showcased both sides of Kerry FC’s game. In the first half, they demonstrated attacking invention, creating a series of promising opportunities but failing to apply the finishing touch. In the second, they combined a moment of individual brilliance from Cleary and Brosnan with disciplined defensive organisation to grind out the result.
The back line deserves immense credit. Time and again, they stood strong under Longford’s pressure, closing down space and making crucial interventions. The midfield, too, played its part in breaking up play and ensuring Kerry retained their shape.
Brosnan’s goal was the evening’s highlight, but it was the collective effort that carried Kerry across the line. Every player contributed to the victory, whether through running, pressing, or sheer determination to keep the clean sheet intact.
The three points will be a significant boost to Kerry FC’s campaign. With wins like this, they show they can not only play attractive football but also manage tight games under pressure. They now look ahead again to Friday night as they take on League leaders Dundalk FC in Oriel Park.
Kerry FC Team: 16. Matthew Connor, 3. Sean O’Connell, 4. Oran Crowe, 5. Christopher McQueen, 6. Carl Mujaguzi, 10. Joe Adams, 14. Robert Cleary, 15. Kevin Williams, 17. Cian Brosnan (GOAL ‘52), 28. Niall Brookwell (C), 29. Ewan Lee.
Subs: Darragh Foley, Samuel Aladesanusi, Arran Healy, Kennedy Amechi, Abel Alabi, Luke Doolan, Ryan Perez, Finn Barrett, Sean McGrath.
Longford Town Team: 1. Harry Halwax, 5. Oisin Hand, 11. Daniel Norris, 12. Pharrell Manuel, 15. Darragh Murtagh, 17. Luke Wade Slater, 19. Aaron Doran, 26. Stefan Ugbesia, 27. Dean O’Shea (C), 28. Sean Moore, 30. Andrew Spain.
Subs: Kian Moore, Leon Ajala, Emre Topcu, Francis Campbell, Mohammed Bodiaf, Emmanuel James, Kyle Robinson, Osaze Irhue, Alex O’Brien.