League Preview: Longford Town -v- Athlone Town

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town host local rivals Athlone Town at Bishopsgate on Saturday night looking to push clear of the foot of the table (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Red and Black have won two of their last three league games – with two of those coming at home.

And that has lifted Longford up ninth place after struggling during the first few weeks of the season.

Longford also have a score to settle with Athlone having failed to beat them in the league since the 2022 season under former boss Gary Cronin.

They drew against them when they last met this season, despite racing into a 3-0 lead away from home.

But Longford have a lengthy absentee list for Saturday’s clash, with Mo Boudiaf and Kyle O’Connor suspended after picking up yellow cards in Monday’s 2-1 win over Treaty United.

Chris Lyons, Dean George, Jamie Egan, Karl Chambers, Adam Wixted and Aaron Walsh are expected to remain out for Longford through injury.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town boss Dario Castelo has played down the importance of his side’s midlands derby against Longford Town.

Castelo has yet to taste defeat in a league derby since taking charge of the Co Westmeath men.

And he has been boosted with the return of midfielder Aaron Connolly from suspension.

“We are taking each game as it comes,” Castelo said. “We know we are in a difficult game.”

Athlone claimed a 2-1 win over Bray Wanderers last weekend and will be looking to back it up.

“Everyone worked well together to get the points last Friday,” he said. “We need to keep united to get a result.”

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 2-1 Athlone Town

Longford Town

Injured: Jamie Egan, Karl Chambers, Chris Lyons, Dean George, Adam Wixted, Aaron Walsh.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Kyle O’Connor, Mohamed Boudiaf.

Athlone Town

Injured: Noah van Geenen, Oisin Duffy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.