LONGFORD, Ireland (Interstat) — James Bailey scored in the 35th minute and Longford defeated Athlone 1-0 on Friday. Bailey recorded one goal while playing 74 minutes before being substituted. Longford now has one win, no losses and two draws in the competition and across all competitions. Athlone now has one win and two losses in the competition and overall. Athlone’s D. Connolly and B. McManus received yellow cards in the 50th and 68th minutes. Longford’s P. Manuel and J. Hough were booked in the 70th and 79th minutes. Longford made substitutions involving S. Ugbesia, J. Bailey and A. Doran. Athlone made substitutions involving P. Grogan, D. Connolly, J. Crawford and P. Ferry. Longford protected its narrow lead through the closing stages after taking the lead before halftime. Longford entered the match following draws with UC Dublin and Wexford, while Athlone had beaten Cork City and lost to Treaty United in its previous two matches.