Longford Town -v- Wexford Youths

• Deniese O'Flaherty
• Thu, May 26 2011


Longford Town will hope to bounce back from last Friday night’s 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne when they take on Wexford Youths at Flancare Park on Thursday night (kick-off 7.45).

Shelbourne inflicted a first defeat in five league games on the Town. The Town can feel aggrieved that they didn’t take something out of the encounter creating several chances throughout the match. They also had calls for a penalty turned down too. Town manager Tony Cousins hopes the defeat can spur his side on to victory against Wexford Youths. “We have got to take the disappointment of Friday out on Wexford. We have been focussed on the game. If we can get a win it’ll be great especially with a tricky game away to Mervue to look forward to on Monday.”

Wexford Youths have been a bit of a bogey team for Longford at Flancare Park. The Town have never tasted victory over the South East club in a league game at home. Amazingly the Youths have won on all of their visits to the midlands venue. That’s a stat that the Midlanders will definitely want to change.

Town will have to do without the services of influential defender Chris Deans for this game. The captain has a back injury and will be out for a number of games. Left-back Michael Lee will be out for five weeks with a groin injury while right-full Graham Dowling is also out. Dowling though should be back in contention in in a few weeks. Niall O’Reilly returns from suspension for the visit of Youths

Wexford have won just once in their last five league games but manager Noel O’Connor has been boosted by the return to fitness of a number of players in recent weeks.

Longford Town
Injured: Michael Lee (groin), Graham Dowling (knee), Chris Deans (back)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths
Injured:
Doubtful:
Suspended:

Referee: Jim McKell

Paddy Power Odds: Home 1/2 Draw 11/4 Away 5/1

Extratime prediction: A 2-0 win for Longford Town