Longford Town -v- Mervue United

LONGFORD TOWN

Airtricity First Division leaders Longford Town will be aiming to eliminate a dip in form when they welcome promotion chasing Mervue United to City Calling Stadium on Saturday evening. (Kick off 7.30pm)

Only a few weeks ago it looked as if Longford would run away with the title and leave the rest of the chasing pack fighting over scraps. Tony Cousins’ men were on quite a run, if not a tad lucky here and there, before the mid-season break and were looking to continue this prolific form on resumption of the league.

However, the midlands club have only recorded one victory in five leaving them a single point above Athlone Town. This is not the type of form you’d expect from prospective champions and, perhaps, the signing of experienced midfielder Derek O’Brien is a move by Cousins to aide his young squad for the league run-in.

While they kept the clock ticking over with that win and two additional draws, last weekend at Cobh Ramblers they let slip a 3-0 first-half lead and, amazingly, lost 4-3. There’s just something about St Coleman’s Park and goal-gluts this season. 

Whether through lack of concentration or sheer laziness, Cousins’ men conceded three goals in the last 12 minutes and missed their chance to go four points clear at the top. 

This week Cousins will have to do without Etanda Nkololo and Mark Salmon who are injured while Des Hope is suspended.

MERVUE UNITED

Johnny Glynn’s team have effectively come back from the dead by winning their last two home games and drawing away to Waterford United to keep pace with breakaway pack.

This late season push for promotion, and Longford’s wayward form, has instilled renewed belief in Mervue that they can challenge for top spot in the First Division.

A far flung dream it may be but Glynn’s troops are only seven points off The Town and a win at City Calling Stadium on Saturday, coupled with results elsewhere going in their favor, and Mervue has every reason to be optimistic.

Their last trip to the midlands saw the Galway side dominate for large periods but the visitors failed to take their chances and, it could be argued, it was two points dropped and not a point gained.

Club captain Tom King and Barry O’Mahony are once again available for selection after their outings with the Irish university side while Michael Duffy (muscle injury) and Kenny Farrell (foot injury) are doubtful for the clash.

Mervue come into this game on the back of a 4-0 thumping over Finn Harps at Fahy’s Field last Friday. The club’s biggest home win of the season left Glynn delighted and the former FAI Cup-winning captain knows his team is capable of beating the league leaders, even if they are on home soil.

“We were delighted with last week’s win and especially the quality of the goals, but this week we face a major challenge against the best side in the division. We have had two close games with Longford this season, losing at home against ten men and probably should have won up there in the drawn game in April. We can also expect a back lash from their defeat in Cobh last Saturday.”

Referee: Andrew Mullally.

MATCH STATS

Mervue are finding life on the road hard this season; 8 goals scored and one win make for grim reading.

Only Finn Harps have gone and won at City Calling Stadium this season.

Longford striker David O’Sullivan has netted seven times in Longford’s last four home games in all competitions.

BETTING

Longford Town 8/11; Draw 12/5; Mervue United 7/2.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 3-0 Mervue United

Longford Town

Injured: Etanda Nkololo, Mark Salmon & Des Hope.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Noel Haverty.

Mervue United

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Michael Duffy (muscle injury) and Kenny Farrell (foot injury).
Suspended: None.