Longford Town -v- Bohemians
Credit:
Two sides that enjoyed FAI Cup success twice in the noughties clash in
Flancare Park on Saturday night as First Division side Longford Town
play host to Premier Division side Bohemians in the 4th Round of the
FAI Ford Cup (kick-off 7.30pm).
It has been nearly a decade since Bohemians and Longford Town last clashed in the FAI Cup. On that night holders Bohs defeated the Town 4-1 in Longford but the game was overshadowed by the departure of Town manager Stephen Kenny to Bohemians less than a week before.
Just a few months before that the sides met in the FAI Cup Final which Bohs won 1-0; they clinched a league and cup double that season. That was the Town’s first cup final appearance and they definitely put it up to their illustrious opponents.
Fast forward to two years later and the Town made more history, this time by claiming their first ever FAI Cup . They went on to retain their trophy the following season as well as winning the League Cup; defeating Bohs in the Final. Bohs last success in the cup was three years ago; another league and cup double for the Phibsborough side. But times have changed for both sides since they last tasted cup success.
Longford went out at this stage of the competition last year losing to eventual beaten finalists Shamrock Rovers while Bohs were beaten in the semi-finals by eventual champions Sligo Rovers. Both sides come into this game on the back of fine performances in their last league games. The Town came away with all 3pts from Wexford while nine-man Bohemians claimed a point away to St. Pat’s.
Town midfielder Thomas Hyland, who was on the scoresheet in Wexford, was delighted with the win and believes it has given them confidence ahead of the cup game. “It was good to have a win leading into the cup game. It’s a big game for us against Bohs. We have a bit of confidence after getting a good result in Wexford. We’re looking forward to it and everyone is excited. The pressure is on them they have to come to our home ground and get a good result. They’re expected to win.”
Town are bolstered by the return from injury of Jack Morley, Austin Skelly and Don Cowan. Niall O’Reilly and Keith Gillespie are out. Bohs will have to do without Stephen Traynor while Keith Buckley is a doubt with a nose injury.
Longford Town
Injured: Niall O’Reilly, Keith Gillespie
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Bohemians
Injured: Stephen Traynor
Doubtful:Keith Buckley.
Suspended:None.
Referee: Richie Winter
Paddy Power Odds: Home 13/2 Draw 29/10 Away 4/9.
Extratime prediction: It’s the cup and anything can happen. Bohemians should win but the Town can’t be written off.
It has been nearly a decade since Bohemians and Longford Town last clashed in the FAI Cup. On that night holders Bohs defeated the Town 4-1 in Longford but the game was overshadowed by the departure of Town manager Stephen Kenny to Bohemians less than a week before.
Just a few months before that the sides met in the FAI Cup Final which Bohs won 1-0; they clinched a league and cup double that season. That was the Town’s first cup final appearance and they definitely put it up to their illustrious opponents.
Fast forward to two years later and the Town made more history, this time by claiming their first ever FAI Cup . They went on to retain their trophy the following season as well as winning the League Cup; defeating Bohs in the Final. Bohs last success in the cup was three years ago; another league and cup double for the Phibsborough side. But times have changed for both sides since they last tasted cup success.
Longford went out at this stage of the competition last year losing to eventual beaten finalists Shamrock Rovers while Bohs were beaten in the semi-finals by eventual champions Sligo Rovers. Both sides come into this game on the back of fine performances in their last league games. The Town came away with all 3pts from Wexford while nine-man Bohemians claimed a point away to St. Pat’s.
Town midfielder Thomas Hyland, who was on the scoresheet in Wexford, was delighted with the win and believes it has given them confidence ahead of the cup game. “It was good to have a win leading into the cup game. It’s a big game for us against Bohs. We have a bit of confidence after getting a good result in Wexford. We’re looking forward to it and everyone is excited. The pressure is on them they have to come to our home ground and get a good result. They’re expected to win.”
Town are bolstered by the return from injury of Jack Morley, Austin Skelly and Don Cowan. Niall O’Reilly and Keith Gillespie are out. Bohs will have to do without Stephen Traynor while Keith Buckley is a doubt with a nose injury.
Longford Town
Injured: Niall O’Reilly, Keith Gillespie
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Bohemians
Injured: Stephen Traynor
Doubtful:Keith Buckley.
Suspended:None.
Referee: Richie Winter
Paddy Power Odds: Home 13/2 Draw 29/10 Away 4/9.
Extratime prediction: It’s the cup and anything can happen. Bohemians should win but the Town can’t be written off.
