League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Longford Town

ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

The Saints bounced back from three defeats in row with an impressive 3-0 victory over Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park on Tuesday night. They'll be looking to improve on their poor home form this Friday evening in front of the Setanta Ireland cameras when they play bottom of the table Longford Town.

Pat's have won just two league games at Richmond Park so far this season but have been more impressive away from home, picking up four victories on their travels.

Liam Buckley spoke to the clubs website about the victory on Tuesday night and previewed the upcoming match against Longford.

"I was delighted with the result the other night. We didn't play well for the full game, but when he created chances, we were that bit more clinical in front of goal so the players deserve great credit for that.

"The players however also know that we have to now continue that form and replicate that week in, week out. Longford are next up on Friday and we won't get anything easy from them. We had a very tough game in Longford back in March and we're again expecting a similar match, so we've got to be at it from the first whistle on Friday night."

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford travel to Richmond Park on Friday night hoping to win just their second league game this season and remove themselves from the daunting position at the bottom of the table. Their only win this season was a 2-0 victory on the opening night of the season against Wexford Youths at Ferrycarrig Park.

Tony Cousins will not just be worried by the lack of goals his side have managed to score this season (8 goals in 12 matches) but also by the fact they have conceded the most goals in the league so far (27 goals in 12 matches).

Perhaps a player who can help them push up the league table is new signing and former Ireland underage international Cody Mullhall. Mullhall has been without a club since leaving Hibernian in January 2015 after sustaining a serious cruciate knee ligament injury. While training with Shamrock Rovers Mulhall suffered a repeat of the injury. Mulhall should be available for selection ahead of Friday nights match.

Referee: Robert Harvey

MATCH STATS

The Saints have won the last three matches in a row against Longford without conceding.

The Town haven't beaten the Saints since a 2-1 victory in August 2007.

Longford have played 17 league matches in Richmond Park and have won 5 while, drawn 4 and lost 8.

BETTING

St Patrick's Athletic 2/7; Draw 4/1; Longford Town 8/1

PREDICTION

St. Patrick's Athletic 2-0 Longford Town.

St. Patrick's Athletic

Injured:  Christy Fagan, Conor O'Malley, Jack Bayly.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Graham Kelly.

Longford Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.