Credit:
Longford Town -v- Shelbourne
- Deniese O'Flaherty
- Sat, Sep 11 2010
Former Longford Town manager Alan Mathews makes his first return to Flancare Park since the end of 2007 when his Shelbourne side take on the Town in a vital First Division clash on Saturday night (kick-off 7.30pm).
With a promotion place still in their sights Shelbourne know they can’t afford any slip-ups at the midlands venue. In recent years the Town have put a dent in Shelbourne’s promotion hopes; last year they recorded a thrilling 5-4 win at Tolka Park in the penultimate game of the season and ended Shels’ title chances.
The Town are capable of producing performances like that but inconsistency has been their main problem this season. After putting in an outstanding display against Shamrock Rovers in their recent FAI Cup tie they failed to replicate that form in their next league game and fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Limerick last weekend. That result saw them slip down the table and they know they have to start picking up points if the target of a mid-table finish is to be achieved.
Shelbourne are undefeated in their last five league games and have hopes of claiming a play-off spot. Last weekend they brushed aside the challenge of bottom side Salthill Devon when they defeated them 5-0; Dinny Corcoran bagged a hat-trick in that game.
In their previous meeting at Flancare Park this season Shelbourne recorded a 5-3 win. While at Tolka Park in June the Town left it late to grab a point with former Shels striker Dave Freeman grabbing an equaliser right at the end.
For the trip to Flancare Park Mathews has to do without the services of the suspended David Cassidy. Though club captain David McGill returns after serving his ban against Salthill last weekend. They have no injury worries so have basically a full squad to choose from.
The Town on the other have a few injuries to contend with. Full-back Niall O’Reilly had to retire early last week in Limerick, while former Shels striker Peter Hynes is struggling with a calf injury.
Longford Town
Injured: None
Doubtful: Niall O’Reilly, Peter Hynes
Suspended: None
Shelbourne
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: David Cassidy
Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin)
Boylesports odds: Longford Town 5/2 Shelbourne 10/11 Draw 9/4
extratime.ie prediction: Away win.
About Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese O'Flaherty has yet to write anything about themselves but click on the bio link to view all past work.