League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Longford Town

SHELBOURNE

First Division league leaders Shelbourne welcome Longford Town to Tolka Park this Friday. (Kick-off 8.00 pm.)

They enter the tie in their most vulnerable state so far, having lost their first match of the season last Friday night against Wexford Youths in Ferrycarrig Park. 

While they will be keen to get the win, it's vital they get their mentality straightened out before they walk out the tunnel for tip-off; champions have just as much mental resilience as they do skill and tactical prowess. 

Shels' fans will hope their slip-up last week was just a temporary blip and not the first sign of a crack in their approach. After all, it was merely a solitary goal that proved the difference as a late, late Eric Molloy strike flew in on 93 minutes to deny them a point.

And with home advantage on their side, manager Johnny McDonnell will be confident of taking maximum points. But he was keen not to give too much away when he spoke ahead of the encounter

“Longford are favourites for promotion this season and no different to the away fixture, Friday will be a close and tight game. We will keep playing our passing game, as if we have the ball we can control the game.” 

LONGFORD TOWN

Currently joint-third in the rankings, alongside Waterford United with 11 points, the Longford Town players will know just how vital it is, even at this early stage, to keep pace with the leading pack.

Having battled hard to draw with Galway FC on Friday last, the Town already know how to grind out the necessary results, but facing up to Shelbourne will be an even bigger ask. 

The fact that they have a game in hand against Cobh Ramblers who are anchored to the bottom of the table means that a win over Shels would see Longford putting huge pressure on the Drumcondra outfit. But there's still a match to be played before they get too excited. 

If they can start this month as they started the last, they can put their patchy form behind them and start to dominate matches. 

Because, in truth, that's been their biggest weakness to date as players such as Don Cowan have given great accounts of themselves, but have often been unable to kill teams off. 

Referee: Keith Callanan

MATCH STATS

In the reverse meeting between these side back in March, Jordan Keegan struck in the 11th minute to gift his side all three points. 

Dylan Connolly is Shelbourne's main goal-scoring threat with four goals already this season and is likely to get some close attention throughout the 90 minutes.

The previous seven meetings between the sides have resulted in six victories for the Dublin club, and just one draw, with 22 goals in total having been scored. 

BETTING

Shelbourne 7/5; Draw 11/5; Longford 17/10

PREDICTION

This is likely to be a close encounter. The added experience of former Shamrock Rovers trio Pat Flynn, Pat Sullivan and Stephen Rice might prove to be a factor. But Shelbourne should just edge it due to their superior goals record in the league, having scored twice as many goals as Longford. A final score of 2-1.

Shelbourne

Injuries: None
Doubtful: John Sullivan, Jordan Keegan, Willo McDonagh and Conor Murphy.  
Suspensions: None

Longford Town

Injuries: Don Cowan
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None