League Preview: Longford Town -v- Cobh Ramblers

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town welcome Cobh Ramblers to Bishopsgate on Saturday evening as they bid to move within just three points of the play-offs (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

The Town come into the game off the back of a gallant FAI Cup defeat to 2021 winners St Patrick’s Athletic – but it came at a cost.

Both Dylan Hand and Jack Brady were dismissed during their defeat so they will both miss tonight’s vital clash against Cobh.

Bastien Hery is also suspended after he received his marching orders during Town’s 2-1 win over Kerry in their last home league game.

But Stephen Henderson’s side have been handed a boost this week with the arrival of former Athlone Town midfielder Charles Mutawe.

Mutawe left Longford’s local rivals earlier this week before signing on the dotted line on Friday afternoon.

He is likely to come straight into the Red and Black’s match day squad against Cobh. Oisin Hand remains out injured.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh boss Shane Keegan has his eyes firmly on the prize as his side chase down a play-off position during the last few weeks of the season.

The Rams bowed out of the FAI Cup last week during a 3-2 defeat against UCD – and their manager is hoping that his side can avoid a third defeat on the spin.

Cobh lost to Finn Harps 4-3 in their most recent league outing.

“We’re really looking forward to heading up to Longford on Saturday,” Keegan said.

“It’s our first time having back to back defeats in quite a while and when that happens you’re mad to get out and rectify things.

“They’ve had a real bounce lately. I know they were defeated by Pat’s in the Cup but they put in an excellent performance and gave it a real go.

“When we went up to Longford earlier in the year we were poor and we’ve spoken about how to avoid that this time around.

“This will be a tough one and it’s up to us to bring our best or we won’t get anything from the game.”

Referee: Chris Sheehan

PREDICTION

Longford Town 2-1 Cobh Ramblers

Longford Town

Injured: Oisin Hand.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Bastien Hery, Dylan Hand, Jack Brady.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Charlie Lyons.

Longford Town unveil signing of Charles Mutawe https://t.co/XceVhVitrQpic.twitter.com/62lhYuvQzM

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 29, 2023