Skipper Wes Charles netted the winner as Galway United delivered a critical win at Terryland Park.
Dave Mooney put Longford Town ahead in the 56th minute courtesy of Dave Mooney, but the lead was shortlived as United restored parity on the hour mark when Alan Keane tucked home a penalty after Derek Glynn was fouled by Pat Sullivan.
Then Charles steered a clever 74th minute header past Shay Kelly and Longford had Damien Brennan dismissed seconds later as Galway held on.
Longford were completely aware that a victory was needed on the Dyke Road if they intend to retain their Premier Division status. Earlier in the campaign Dave Mooney pinched an opportunistic equaliser against Galway, who outfoxed Longford by 3-0 in Flancare Park. Would such a margin separate the teams in the latest instalment?
Unsurprisingly it was tight and tense early on, but Longford settled briskly. The visitors managed to create several chances as Ian Ryan, Pat Sullivan, and Dessie Baker all went close for Alan Matthews charges.
But Galway eventually settled as Greg O Halloran provided the midfield stability. Alan Murphy s set pieces were precise and his 32nd minute free kick located John Lester, who glanced a header on target. Shay Kelly gathered and the Longford custodian was forced to demonstrate his prowess again before the interval when denying Derek Glynn with a smart reflex save.
The drama really unfolded in the third quarter as Mooney bagged a glorious 18th of the campaign when steering a 56th minute opener.
But Galway responded swiftly and were awarded a penalty four minutes later as Alan Keane restored parity with an assured penalty after Derek Glynn was fouled by Sullivan. Then Charles emerged as the hero to delight the near 3,000 crowd.
Galway United: Rogers; Keane, Fitzgerald, Lester, Charles; Murphy, Foley, O Halloran (Russell, 64), O Brien; Faherty, Glynn (Moran, 86).
