Mervue United -v- Longford Town

MERVUE UNITED

It’s back to the bread and butter of the Airtricity League First Division on Friday night as injury-plagued Mervue United welcome leaders Longford Town to Fahy’s Field. (kick-off 7.45pm).

The past week has not been kind to Mervue in more ways than one. Defeat to Finn Harps at Ballybofey last Friday saw Johnny Glynn’s team forced back into third on the table.

That was followed, as was expected, by Sligo Rovers running out 4-0 winners in the EA Cup on Monday last, even though the visitors kept the hosts quiet for much of the game.

Defeats aside, it’s the long list of injuries that Mervue supporters are concerned about.

Alex Lee (foot), Gary Curran (knee) and Gary Shanahan (foot) are all definite non-starters while Tom King (hamstring), Jason Molloy (ankle), Marc Ludden (foot), Noel Varley (back) and Martin Conneely (knee) are all doubtful for the game.

The aforementioned mentioned players make up the guts of Mervue’s starting eleven. Show me any other team in the lower divisions that could cope with such drastic losses and still remain a tricky team to beat.

Returning to the squad are defenders Mike Elwood, Kenny Farrell and goalkeeper Brian O’Donoghue. Barry O’Mahony serves a one match suspension for his sending off against Rovers on Monday.

A win for Mervue would keep them on track for promotion, but the road is becoming increasingly unsteady. Manager Johnny Glynn knows deep down his team face a mountain right now.

“Another big test for us against the league leaders especially as we will be down to the bare bones of our squad with the amount of injuries we are carrying at the moment, but the lads are looking forward to a big home game on Friday night.”

LONGFORD TOWN

The Town’s goal glut in recent times has helped the midlands club stave off any serious threat to their lead at the top of the first division.

Their only blip on the map was William McDonagh’s own goal, which two weeks ago, gifted Finn Harps a 2-3 win. The Donegal side reduced Longford’s previously held six point lead to just four with that vital win at the City Calling Stadium.

While they may have smashed five past Cobh Ramblers last Friday, a visit to Drogheda United in an EA Cup tie on Monday proved a bridge far too far. The Drogs ran riot scoring six unanswered goals as Tony Cousins’ men looked on helplessly.

Realistically, Cousins will be glad to have gotten that cup tie out of sight. The pressing matter of furthering his team’s promotion ambitions is top of the agenda.

And, in-form striker David O’Sullivan is just the man to take them there. Eleven goals now in as many league games from the former Wayside Celtic player proves there is plenty of natural goal-scoring class available in junior football.

The 25 year old is ably supported by Daniel Purdy, Mark Salmon and Gary Shaw among others and, Longford will need these players to set up to the plate if they are to lead the charge to the promised land of Premier Division football.

Referee: Andrew Mullally.

MATCH STATS

Longford striker David O’Sullivan has scored in nine out of eleven league games.

Mervue United are still undefeated at home this season; Longford has won three from five on the road.

Twenty goals have been scored in the last five games between the sides.

BETTING

Mervue United 15/8; Draw 2/1; Longford Town 13/10.

PREDICTION

Mervue United 2-2 Longford Town

Mervue United

Injured: Alex Lee (foot), Gary Curran (knee) Gary Shanahan (foot).
Doubtful: Tom King (hamstring), Jason Molloy (ankle), Marc Ludden (foot), Noel Varley (back) Martin Conneely (knee).
Suspended: Barry O’Mahony.

Longford Town

Injured: Des Hope, Chris Deans, Corie Treacy, Michael Lee, Colly James.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.