League Preview: Derry City -v- Longford Town
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DERRY CITY
Peter Hutton’s struggling Derry side will host Longford Town at the Brandywell on Friday evening in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division (7:45pm).
Derry, who are only separated from the relegation play-off place by goal difference, are now in desperate need of wins as they continue to battle for their survival.
The Candystripes’ went searching for that elusive win last week with a trip to Dublin however all optimism was lost after the first 20 minutes in which Bohemians scored four, eventually winning the game 4-2. However a home game against Longford, who sit seven points ahead of Derry, will be a far more realistic chance to get that vital win.
Hutton will have a full squad to choose from with no suspensions or injuries to worry about.
LONGFORD TOWN
Longford, who currently occupy 6th position in the league, will be hoping to take all three points on Foyleside this Friday night to cement their Premier Division survival. The Town may well have taken some by surprise as they sit in relative safety in mid-table as we approach the final run in.
Longford will make the trip North West following back to back home games against Cork and Drogheda. After the 4-1 thrashing they received against Cork, Longford were then held to a 1-1 draw against Drogheda. Therefore they will be keen on getting back to winning ways against Peter Hutton’s wounded Derry side.
Tony Cousins will be without Pat Flynn who will remain on the treatment table for a few more weeks while Dean Kelly is rated doubtful as he came off injured last week.
Referee: David McKeon
MATCH STATS
Derry are currently the joint lowest scorers across the two divisions with only 14 goals (alongside Waterford United).
Longford have won twice as many games as Derry in the league this season (6:3).
The last Premier Division game between the sides at the Brandywell was back in 2007 which Derry won 3-1.
BETTING
Derry City 23/20; Draw 11/5; Longford 12/5
PREDICTION
Derry City 1-0 Longford
Derry City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Longford Town
Injured: Pat Flynn
Doubtful: Dean Kelly
Suspended: None.
