Longford, clearly missing the influence of their imposing forward Niall Sheridan, slumped to a 0-16 to 0-08 defeat against an impressive Mayo side in Ballina.
It looked ominous for Longford midway through the first half, when Mayo led 0-06 to 0-00 - four of the Connacht side's forwards on the mark at that early stage. Austin O'Malley, in particular, was in great form, notching three of those scores.
The Mayo centre-back line was also excelling, with Pat Kelly, Gary Mullins and stalwart James Nallen proving to have too much guile and strength for the Longford attack.
Trevor Smullen and Pauric Davis notched a brace of points each and by half-time the margin was down to a respectable four points – 0-09 to 0-05.
However, despite the spirited promptings of David Hanniffy and Paul Barden, Longford rarely threatened to bridge the gap in the second half.
And their fate was sealed when, eight minutes from time, hometown goalkeeper John Healy saved brilliantly to deny the midlanders what could have been a revitalising goal.
The victory means Mayo now lie second in Division 1A of the Allianz National Football League on six points, bettered only by the superior points difference of Kerry. Longford, meanwhile, are mid-table on four points.
Filed by James Boylan
