Salthill Devon -v- Longford Town

SALTHILL DEVON

Newly re-branded Salthill Devon FC  welcomes Tony Cousins’ Longford Town to Drom for the opening fixture of the 2013 Airtricity League First Division.

With limited funds, Salthill Devon manager Tony Mannion has been busy assembling a squad which he hopes will finally end the Westerners streak of finishing bottom of the First Division for three straight years since their introduction to the league in 2010.

Returning to Salthill Devon after a season elsewhere are striker Victor Collins and goalkeeper Ronan Forde. Cezch republic native, Jakub Tomanica, has also committed himself to the club for the coming season, while the almost-certain signing of Derek O’Brien will add much needed experience to the young team.

However, the season hasn’t even begun and Salthill Devon is already up against it. Mannion will be without star striker Enda Curran as well as Willie Enubele, Brian Geraghty and Mixie Harty who are all unavailable through suspension.

LONGFORD TOWN

Four months or so have passed since Longford Town’s disappointing play-off defeat to Waterford United. Cousins’ side has to contend with another year of first division football but there have been several new changes to the club as a whole.

New jerseys and a new sponsor have all been furnished to a club that is gunning for promotion under the former Galway United boss. The signing of new players like striker David O’Sullivan have added pace to an already formidable attack that includes promising striker Gary Shaw who is back after breaking his ankle last season.

Pre-season wasn’t what the doctored ordered as Cousins had to deal with a number of injuries and ‘The Town’ failed to register a single win in six attempts including a heavy 5-1 defeat away to Bohemians in February. 

Speaking to Denise O’Flaherty of Shannonside radio Cousins was adamant pre-season went well and, he said, he is looking forward to this coming season where the ultimate aim is promotion to the Premier Division after a six year absence.

“Our aim is to get promoted, so, pre-season’s gone well, couple of knocks we’ve had are healing up so everybody’s rearing to go and hopefully we can get off to a good start in Salthill.”

The former Shamrock Rovers player is now happy with his overall squad after a winter sourcing the right type of players for his team.

“Every year I’ve tried to strengthen the team, bring in a little bit better quality, it’s one way of improving your side. I think this year again, we’ve improved the quality of the team. I think up front we’ve added more pace to the team. I’m very happy with the squad I have and hopefully we can push on.”

Referee: Kevin O'Regan.

MATCH STATS

Last season’s four encounters between these teams fell in the favour of Longford Town with two wins, a draw and a defeat.

Longford failed to win any of their six pre-season games. In fact they could only muster a draw at home to Shelbourne in their final friendly game.

SD Galway has finished at bottom of the Airtricity First Division every year since their induction in 2010.

BETTING

Salthill 6/1; Draw 10/3; Longford 4/11.

PREDICTION

Longford to start division one with an away win.

Salthill Devon

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Willie Enubele, Brian Geraghty, Mixie Harty and Enda Curran.

Longford Town

Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: Noel Haverty.