League Preview: Longford Town -v- Kerry

LONGFORD TOWN 

Longford Town will be looking to end their 19-game winless run on Monday evening when they host Kerry at Bishopsgate (kick-off is at 5pm). 

The Red and Black fell to a narrow loss against UCD on Friday night but showed glimpses of light despite their defeat. 

And they will be boosted for Monday’s tie against the Kingdom with defender Dean O’Shea returning from suspension. 

But first-team interim boss Wayne Groves is hoping that his side can pick up a result. 

“Kerry are the team we are trying to catch at the moment because of the position they are in,” Groves said. 

“It’s a big game for us but every game is a big one. We have to try and apply ourselves to win every game. 

“Kerry is the next one up for us and they are the team we are trying to chase.” 

KERRY 

Kerry boss Conor McCarthy admits his side will be stretched ahead of their clash against Longford Town on Monday evening. 

The Kingdom were beaten 1-0 by Munster rivals Cork City on Friday night at Mounthawk Park. 

But they will be keen to pick up a win over Longford to pile the misery on the basement side.

“It’s a very short turnaround so training won’t be anything major but more for us to have an active recovery session and manage bodies,” McCarthy said. 

“We need to be 100% going up there, that’s why we have a squad of players here. So the boys who come in need to keep the standard and level up.”

Kerry are likely to be without Andy Spain and Ronan Teahan who both hobbled off injured against Cork City on Friday night.

Referee: Ryan Maher. 

PREDICTION 

Longford Town 2-0 Kerry 

Longford Town

Injured: Adam Wixted, Karl Chambers, Aaron Walsh, Dean George. 

Doubtful: N/A. 

Suspended: None.

Kerry

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Ronan Teahan, Andy Spain.

Suspended: None.