FAI Cup Preview: Longford Town -v- St Patrick’s Athletic

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LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will be eyeing a major FAI Cup scalp on Sunday evening as they welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to Bishopsgate (kick-off is at 6pm).

The Red and Black are languishing in the bottom reaches of the First Division this season – and they face a Saints side just back from European action.

While the Athletic were dumped out of the Conference League by Dudelange, Longford Town face a very tall order if they are to advance into the second round.

But they do at least have history on their side, having beaten St Pat’s in the 2003 FAI Cup final at the old Lansdowne Road.

“It's going to be the toughest game we'll have all year,” Longford defender Dylan Hand told his club’s media team this week.

“Pat’s will bring a great atmosphere to Longford but hopefully a lot of our fans will come out and it's a good day.

“It will be a very tough game as well but if we play our best I feel it will be a surprise to them. Hopefully we play good football and it's a good and entertaining game."

Bastien Hery is expected to miss out for Longford Town through suspension.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC



Saints boss Jon Daly insists that he will not be underestimating Longford Town when he brings his side to Bishopsgate on Sunday.

Daly was part of the Athletic’s coaching staff last season when they were dumped out of the competition by First Division Waterford at home.

And he is leaving no stone unturned in a bid to avoid the same fate with 600 Saints fans descending on Longford for the game.

“It's a tie we're looking forward to. The Cup is a big part of your overall season, so it's important to do your homework (on the opposition). You can't underestimate any team. We know that (Longford) have got good players.

“It's a huge game on Sunday. It's an opportunity to go on a Cup run. There are players in the changing room who have won the Cup. They have that memory and know how big the Cup is for this club.

“We're in a good position in the league and we have the Cup ties coming in now, so we have plenty of opportunities to make sure we are there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”

Joe Redmond, Axel Sjoberg, Kian Leavy and Tom Grivosti are out for their trip to the Midlands.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.



 

PREDICTION

Longford Town 0-2 St Patrick’s Athletic

 

Longford Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Bastien Hery.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Kian Leavy, Axel Sjoberg, Joe Redmond, Tom Grivosti.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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