League Preview: Kerry -v- Longford Town

KERRY

Kerry boss Conor McCarthy is expecting a stiff test against Longford Town at Mounthawk Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Kingdom head into the First Division showdown with the basement side after going on a run of five games unbeaten.

But Longford are winless this season and McCarthy will surely be eying up Kerry’s first home league win as a senior League of Ireland club.

“I don’t think Longford started the season the way they would have liked,” he explained.

“But I’m sure they are looking at this fixture and thinking it is a way to kick-start their season as well.

“I’m sure it will be a tough game, so we will have to be at 100% and if we can do that hopefully we can turn a draw into a win on Friday night.”

LONGFORD TOWN

Winless since September, Longford Town head to Tralee with a point to prove.

Stephen Henderson’s side have struggled for consistency and have already lost nine points from winning positions this season.

They have also been bestet by injury issues with Aaron Walsh, Dean George and Viktor Serdeniuk forced to miss out with knee setbacks.

The latter is expected to return to full fitness shortly.

But Monday’s draw against Cobh Ramblers will provide them with some sort of hope for the season ahead, despite coughing up the lead again in a 1-1 stalemate.

Francis Campbell remains banned after picking up a red card in a recent draw with Bray Wanderers.

Referee: Gavin Colfer.

PREDICTION

Kerry 1-0 Longford Town

Kerry

Injured: Valerii Dolia, Nathan Gleeson.

Doubtful: Jack Kavanagh.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: Viktor Serdeniuk, Dean George, Aaron Walsh.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Francis Campbell.