Waterford United -v- Longford Town

WATERFORD UNITED 

Waterford United and Longford Town go head to head tonight in a season defining game at the RSC, kick off 745pm.

The Blues’ superb run of late has seen them surge up the table when it looked almost certain, after Paul O’Brien left, their season might tail off to nothing.

Four wins on the bounce has caught the teams at the top napping. Only Longford’s superior goal difference prevents tonight’s hosts from taking the coveted play-off spot.

The Town has had the better of the Blues this season, remaining undefeated, but there have been a few close calls in the three previous games. The last time the sides met at the City Calling Stadium, ten men Waterford almost snatched a draw and therefore Longford’s luck against them might just run out.

Tonight’s game is a huge clash between the league’s top scorers verses one of the best defensive teams in the land and, Waterford coach Reynolds is certain his team’s winning mentality can get them over the line on Friday.

"We’ll keep the intensity of the training up over the next couple of weeks because it’s important that we keep focused. We have to make sure that we’re ready for Longford Town on Friday week. It’s about fine tuning and getting the players’ minds right for that game, because it’s a massive game."

LONGFORD TOWN

Not so long ago you would have bet your house that Longford would stroll to the league title just for David O’Sullivan’s goal-scoring feats alone.

While he is still banging them in up front, Tony Cousins’ team have become mentally frail in defence and, where once they would see out a game with ease, the Town players have become anxious and cumbersome when defending leads. The late goals conceded against Cobh Ramblers and Mervue typify this.

Waterford has not beaten Longford this season but have come close on at least two occasions. Worryingly for Cousins, the Blues have shaken off their early season insecurity and confidence in the team is now apparently relentless. United’s incredible form and mental toughness of late could see them leap-frog Longford by 10pm tonight.

There is a lot at stake for the visitors tonight. With Finn Harps at home and an away trip to Mervue on the horizon, a result of some kind at the RSC is vital if Longford Town are to fulfill their early season promise.

Referee: Simon Rogers

MATCH STATS

The Blues are the first Division One side to land four league wins on the bounce this season.

Longford are unbeaten against Waterford this season and unbeaten on last two trips to RSC

Conor Meade has scored five goals in six games since his arrival from Cobh Ramblers.

BETTING

Waterford United 19/20; Draw 11/5; Longford Town 13/5

PREDICTION

Waterford united 2-1 Longford Town

Waterford Untited

Injured: Michael Coady, Peter White
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None

Longford Town

Injured: unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspened: None