Longford Town 0 Bohemians 2
James Keddy and goal ace Glen Crowe struck early and late to get Bohs’ title challenge off to a winning start at Flancare Park.
The sides swapped chances in a bright opening before Bohs took their 12th minute lead.
A mix-up between Town defenders Brian McGovern and Alan Murphy resulted in Crowe setting up Keddy to chip home on his competitive debut.
Bohs upped the tempo after the break and Stephen O’Brien three times came to Town’s rescue with excellent stops to deprive Crowe, Tony Grant and, later, Robbie Doyle.
Town were afforded a way back into the game when Bohs’ midfielder Stephen Caffrey was sent off for a second booking, but failed to really trouble Shay Kelly’s goal.
Crowe then tapped in a cross from Robbie Doyle to cap the win two minutes into stoppage time.