Credit:
Limerick -v- Longford Town
- Andrew Cunneen
- Thu, Mar 24 2011
Limerick host a much improved and better organised Longford Town side on Shannonside this Friday evening, looking to make amends for their defeat to rivals Cork last weekend. (Kick-off 7.45pm)
Longford Town thus far have been the surprise package in the First Division, not just for their results, but their performances too. Frontman Don Cowan has shown his pace and good control so far this year, scoring twice. Longford opened their 2011 campaign with an undeserved home defeat to Shelbourne. They corrected this soon after, with back to back victories over Wexford Youths and Mervue United. The signing of Keith Gillespie will add to already high hopes for the season.
Limerick have had to deal with the tag of promotion contenders, wielding mixed results so far. A credible point in Ballybofey was overshadowed by the broken leg suffered by Garry Sheahan. A home win against Salthill was then cancelled out by a defeat to fellow promotion contenders Cork City in Turners Cross last week. The main goalscoring threat Stephen O’Flynn is still sidelined following a needless headbutt in the opening series.
Limerick boss Pat Scully isn’t underestimating Longford either. “Longford Town have started the season well. I have seen Longford twice in recent weeks and they're a decent team with a good attitude. It's a great boost to have Pat Purcell and Corey Tracey back available and hopefully one or two little injuries will clear up. When we have a full squad, we will have real competition for places, which will give the players good motivation to perform and win matches.” Longford will look to continue their fine form so far, and might even stabilise an early season promotion push. A home win may seem to be the odds on bet here, although a draw is a far more realistic bet. The return of captain Pat Purcell and first choice right back Corey Treacy will boost Limerick undoubtedly, but without the clinical O’Flynn up front, Limerick’s threat up front is severely damaged.
Limerick FC
Injured: Dave Ryan (Fractured foot), Thomas Lyons (Strained ankle ligaments), Garry Sheahan (Broken leg)
Suspended: Stephen O’Flynn
Doubtful: None.
Longford Town
Injured: Unavailable
Suspended: Unavailable
Doubtful: Unavailable
Paddypower.com Odds: Limerick 4/9, Draw 3/1, Longford 11/2.
Referee: J.McKell
Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-1 draw.
About Andrew Cunneen
Andrew joined Extratime for the 2010 season and covers all the on-goings down in Limerick. Having first experienced the League of Ireland in 2002, Andrew became hooked, even at such an early age. He is …