League Preview: Longford Town -v- UCD

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town host UCD on Friday as they continue their search for a first league win of the campaign (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Red and Black have endured a difficult week dealing with a number of setbacks.

Despite racing into a 3-0 lead away to Athlone Town, they relinquished their hold on the game and drew 3-3 against Dario Castelo’s men. 

They then led until the 104th minute against Bray Wanderers on Monday before giving up a late equaliser to the Seagulls for another draw. 

And their cause has not been aided with Francis Campbell’s dismissal during Monday’s draw at the Carlisle Grounds.

Viktor Serdeniuk, Aaron Walsh and Dean George are all expected to miss out for the visit of UCD to Bishopsgate tonight.

UCD 

Also without a number of players, Willie O’Connor’s UCD make the trip to the Midlands from the capital shorn of captain Ronan Finn.

The former Shamrock Rovers midfielder is nursing a knee injury at the moment and is expected to return to the fold in May. Luke O’Regan is also out.

But it could be worse for the Students. 

The Sky Blues recorded a stunning late win over Cobh Ramblers last weekend having beaten Athlone Town the week previous at home 3-0.

Heading into the final stages of last weekend’s victory over Cobh, the Students trailed moments before injury time thanks to a goal from Ramblers attacker Jack Larkin.

But goals from Ciaran Behan and Adam Wells rescued three points for the Sky Blues as their promotion charge gathered some early pace.

Referee: Mark Moynihan. 

PREDICTION 

Longford Town 1-2 UCD

Longford Town

Injured: Aaron Walsh, Dean George, Viktor Serdeniuk. 

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: Francis Campbell. 

UCD

Injured: Ronan Finn, Luke O’Regan. 

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: None.