League Preview: Galway FC -v- Longford Town

GALWAY FC

The domestic break is finally over, and Galway FC host their second home match in a row as Longford Town travel to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night for a hugely important First Division clash (kick-off is at 7.45 pm).

Tommy Dunne's side are looking to keep their impressive run of form going as they go in search of their ninth league game unbeaten. Wins have come against Wexford Youths, Shelbourne and Waterford United in the past few weeks, leading many to believe that there's a huge chance they might actually gain promotion.

Of course, with 14 matches still left to play, there's still plenty of work left for captain Paul Sinnot and company to accomplish. But with a trio of new additions to their squad – Robbie Egan, Aaron McDonagh and Padraic Cunningham - their strength in depth might just be a big key in how well they do.

And while some often fear the negative reprecussion from a lengthy break in league action, Dunne firmly believes his charges have no other choice than to get back into the swing of things this Friday.

"As a manager, you always want more, to be happier, but overall the guys have come back in good shape," he said.

He continued: "We're looking at just focusing back on things. You have your mid-season break, it's not a bad thing, but you have to get back to match fitness and we couldn't have a tougher game than Longford Town after the break."

LONGFORD TOWN

One of the red-hot favourites to bag the title before the action came to life back in March, Tony Cousins' team haven't disappointed in their billing.

Searching for their sixth league victory in a row, it's plain to see they were on a terrifically impressive run of form before the break – just whether or not they'll be at all bothered by the interruption remains to be seen.

Regardless of how much their impressive strides have been halted though, it remains clear that this is a group of players eager to fight tooth and nail to reach the Premier Division. Their 6-0 hammering of Shamrock Rovers B back towards the end of May sent out a clear message to the rest of the league; they mean business.

Perhaps most amazingly of all, however, is the fact that of the 11 away matches, in all competitions, they've played this season, they've gone unbeaten in nine.

Clearly, the Town have not kept their best performances for fans at the City Calling stadium – a trait that could serve them well on Friday night.

Referee: Andrew Mullally

MATCH STATS

Galway welcomed Longford FC to their home patch for their first-ever competitive match as a newly-formed club back on March 8 and the visitors soon put a dampener on the club's start to life by snatching a 1-0 victory on the night.

Galway have four wins from their last five games in all competitions – the only blemish coming in a cruel EA Sports Cup penalty shoot-out loss against Wexford Youths.

A snapshot of just how tight it is near the top of Ireland's second tier can be witnessed in the fact that it's only goal difference that separates the two sides in the league standings – a mere two goals, to be more precise.

BETTING

Galway 6/4; Draw 9/4; Longford 6/4

PREDICTION

An entertaining 2-2 draw with both sides battling hard for every ball.

Galway FC

Injuries: Ryan Manning (left wrist), Alan Murphy (ankle), Ross Kenny (knee).
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None

Longford Town

Injuries: Not available
Doubtful: Not available
Suspensions: Stephen Rice, Willie Tyrrell.