Longford Town -v- Limerick FC

• Simon O'Gorman
• Sat, Jun 11 2011


Longford Town welcome Limerick FC to Flancare Park on Saturday night hoping to gain the three points that can bring them level with Pat Scully’s men in theAirtricity First Division league table. (Kick off, 7.30pm)

Both of these sides come into the game on the back of successful Cup weekends, Limerick disposing of Sacred Heart at Tallaght last Sunday, while Longford took a replay to knock out Finn Harps. But current league form favours the visitors.

Limerick have won five of their last seven league outings, conceding just one goal in the process, a rare strike from Monaghan defender Philip Byrne. But Limerick have also benefited from defensive goals with centre back Pat Purcell getting the winners against Waterford and Finn Harps in recent weeks.

Longford, meanwhile, have won only one of their last four league games although two of these were agaonst promotion favourites Shelbourne and Cork City and Tony Cousins will not be ashamed of the point picked up at Turner’s Cross.

For Saturday’s clash the Longford boss will be planning without Michael Lee, Jacques Morley, Graham Dowling and Austin Skelly, although he hopes to have Cathal Brady and Keith Gillespie back in action.

Pat Scully has a few new choose from with Limerick announcing seven new signings from among the ranks of Junior football. Among them are Colin Daly and Darragh Rainsford from Fairview Rangers while Aidan Boyle and Jmaes McGrath have signed from Nenagh AFC.

With just three points between the teams it is one of those fixtures that will act as something of a six pointer with Longford in slight danger of losing some of their momentum after a strong start to their campaign.

Limerick, on the other hand, are starting to offer the kind of form that had them pegged as one of the pre-season favourites to be involved in the shake up for promotion and three points here will help to keep them in touch with the trio of Shels, Cork and Monaghan at the top of the table.

Longford Town
Injured: Michael Lee, Graham Dowling, Jacques Morley, Austin Skelly.
Doubtful: Cathal Brady, Keith Gillespie.
Suspended: None.

Limerick FC
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Conor Fitzgerald.
Paddy Power Odds: Longford 15/8; Draw 9/4; Limerick 5/4.
Extratime prediction: Limerick to push on, 1-0 to the away side.