FAI Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Longford Town

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United and Longford Town begin their FAI Cup campaigns when the sides meet at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen come into their second round fixture on the back of an impressive win over Waterford which sees them sitting in fifth place in the Premier Division.

Patrick Hickey, with his first goal for the club, lashed the ball home in the first half to give his side the three points.

United were FAI Cup semi-finalists in 2023 with their attempt at appearing in the Aviva Stadium in November thwarted by Bohemians when they defeated Galway at Deacy Park last year in front of a packed crowd.

With their Premier Division campaign going well so far this season and the squad looking strong in most games they have played in the boys in maroon will be looking to far in the competition again this year.

Longford Town are in their way at this point in the competition however, and the Galway faithful will know only too well how their side were prevented an unbeaten season due to two losses at Bishopsgate last year.

On paper, United are the stronger side. John Caulfield has added the likes of Bobby Burns and Jimmy Keohane in recent weeks – and with the announcements of Republic of Ireland international Greg Cunningham and Longford Town’s first choice ‘keeper jack Brady this week they are in good position to progress in the competition.

LONGFORD TOWN

Wayne Groves men could be in for a tough Friday night when they travel to Eamonn Deacy Park.

De Town have won just three games this season and are heading into Friday on the back of a 4-1 drubbing in the Midlands El Classico against Athlone Town last Friday night.

Former Tribesman Jordan Adeyemo scored a consolation goal with ten minutes to go but their night went from bad to worse with the dismissal of Mohamed Boudiaf late in the game.

Longford don’t have a great record at Deacy Park in recent years either which won’t help them.

All that being said – the club have been busy strengthening their squad during the transfer window with Chris Lotefa, Carl Lennox and Emre Topcu joining on loan from Premier Division side.

Daniel Norris and Eric Christopher Yoro have both signed permanently this month.

Referee: David Dunne

MATCH STATS

Longford Town were the only team to beat Galway United during their First Division campaign last season. They actually beat the Tribesmen twice last year.

De Town have not won a game at Eamonn Deacy Park since August 2020.

Longford Town have not made it beyond the second round of the FAI Cup since the 2018 edition of the competition.

BETTING

Galway United 1/7; Draw 11/2; Longford Town 12/1.

PREDICTION

Galway United 3–0 Longford Town

Galway United

Injured: Regan Donelon.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: N/A.

Longford Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Mohamed Boudiaf.