League Preview: Longford Town -v- Finn Harps

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town know that is most certainly win-or-bust as they take on Finn Harps at Bishopsgate looking to kickstart a sensational assault towards top-flight survival (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

The Red and Black were seen off last time out by Shamrock Rovers with the last kick of the game, leaving their survival hopes in tatters.

But despite defeat, manager Daire Doyle believes his side can claw their way out of trouble, although, he admits they must win at home to Finn Harps to have any chance to do so.

“Wins are the priority, and we are playing the two teams just above us in the league table in the next two weeks,” he told extratime.com after last week’s defeat.

“That speaks for itself. We know what we have to do, and we’ll be prepared to do that over the next fortnight with the two games, but this game is huge for us.

“It is a cup final, and we have to treat it as such. We can’t allow the gap to grow bigger and we need to look to go into this game and win it. We’ll do everything we can to do that.”

In terms of team news, Shane Elworthy and Dean Byrne both miss out with injuries.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will be looking to put even more daylight between themselves and Longford Town in the relegation dogfight on Saturday night.

Harps won last weekend away to Sligo Rovers with a 1-0 win, but their manager Ollie Horgan is acutely aware that a possible win will not come easy in the Midlands.

“There has been very little between the two sides in both games this season and Saturday night will be no different,” Horgan told his club’s media team.

“Any side that can push Shamrock Rovers up until the last kick of the game, on three separate occasions no less, has a lot of quality about them and Longford will be well up for the fight.

“We rode our luck at times in Sligo, but we’ve played a lot better in games and lost, so it was a big lift to come away with the three points.

“We need to build on that now and start putting some results together if we want to have a chance of moving up the table.”

In terms of team news, Mark Timlin, misses out through injury along with Mark Coyle who is suspended.

Stephen Doherty, Karl O’Sullivan and Adam Foley are doubts.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town are winless in their last 22 league games, with that run stretching back to the opening day of the season when they defeated Derry City 2-0.

Finn Harps are unbeaten in their last five competitive outings away to Longford Town, with their last defeat coming in April 2014.

Longford have lost six of their last seven home games, but Harps themselves have also struggled on the road in recent weeks, losing three of their last four away league outings.

BETTING

Longford Town 23/10; Draw 2/1; Finn Harps 23/20.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 2 - 1 Finn Harps

Longford Town

Injured: Dean Byrne, Shane Elworthy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Mark Timlin.

Doubtful: Adam Foley, Karl O’Sullivan, Stephen Doherty.

Suspended: Mark Coyle.