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Longford Town -v- Derry City
- Deniese O'Flaherty
- Sat, Apr 03 2010
After two successive defeats, Longford Town will hope to pick up some points when they take on Derry City at Flancare Park on Saturday night (kick-off 7.30).
Manager Tony Cousins has stressed the importance of keeping clean- sheets and not giving away silly goals but that’s exactly what has happened recently. Since the start of the season the Town have played catch-up in all four games. They were able to come back and claim a win and a draw in the first two games but against Limerick and Shelbourne last week, they just couldn’t find a way of getting back into the game.
Cousins’ isn’t panicking yet but knows the Town have to tighten up at the back: “Something has got to be rectified. We can’t afford to give teams goals. It’s just not on. We have to work hard and get the right blend at the back. Hopefully we can get Philly (Byrne) back soon, he’s a big loss for us”, he said.
The influential Byrne has been out for the past few weeks after picking up an injury against Finn Harps in the opening game. The Captain should provide some stability in the heart of defence alongside Chris Deans: “I’d like to think if we can get Chris Deans and Philly Byrne on the pitch it will make a difference. Philly is a great player and leader, we miss him.”
The good news for Town fans is that Byrne returned to training this week, the Derry game might have come too soon for him but he should be back in contention for a starting spot against Cork next Friday. Winger Cathal Brady is also back training but he mightn’t be risked.
Cousins counterpart at Derry Stephen Kenny has his own injury worries ahead of the game. The former Town boss is sweating on the fitness of Captain Kevin Deery as well as striker Mark Farren, who picked up a hamstring injury against Athlone Town last weekend. Both players will be assessed before the trip to the midlands. Kenny is hopeful to have Darren Cassidy back but Stephen Parkhouse remains out.
Venue: Flancare Park
Referee: Jim McKell
paddypower.com odds: Longford Town 3/1 Draw 9/4 Derry City 4/5
Longford Town
Doubtful: Cathal Brady, Philly Byrne
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Derry City
Doubtful: Kevin Deery, Mark Farren, Darren Cassidy.
Injured: Stephen Parkhouse
Suspended: None
Extratime.ie Prediction: Away win, just!.
About Deniese O'Flaherty
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