Mervue United -v- Longford Town

• Terry Flaherty
• Mon, May 30 2011


Mervue Utd will look to bounce back from a disappointing display against Cork City last Thursday evening as they host a Longford Town side who have only tasted defeat once in their previous six games. Kick-off is at 7.45 p.m. at Fahy’s Field.

Johnny Glynn’s side suffered their biggest defeat of the campaign on Thursday night as they went down to three first half goals from First Division League leaders, Cork City, as a very under strength side struggled to match an impressive home team’s first half performance.

Longford continued their recent good form with a 2-1 win over a struggling Wexford Youths side as they recorded their first ever home win over Noel O’Connor’s side as Austin Skelly and Cathal Brady goals secured the three points.

When these two sides met earlier in the season at Flancare Park, the home side emerged winners following a game of three bizarre goals. Mervue led through a controversial Mike Tierney goal until 13 minutes from time when Eric Browne headed into his own net and Longford snatched all three points two minutes into injury time with a bizarre winning goal from Chris Deans, when a share of the spoils looked on the cards.

Mervue manager Glynn was disappointed with the loss in Cork but is looking forward to getting back out on the pitch “We were disappointed with the result in Cork but we knew going down there that it would be tough missing four or five key experienced players. We have a number of those players back available for Monday’s game so we will be looking to continue our good home form against Longford”.

Mervue will be a more competitive force tonight as Jason Molloy, captain Mike Tierney, Eric Browne and Peter Dravins will all return to their squad, but Nicky Curran (knee) and goalkeeper Ger Hanley (shoulder) remain doubtful and Damien O’Rourke remains on the sidelines recovering from an Achilles injury.

Town Manager Tony Cousin will be without the services of his captain Chris Deans (back), full backs Michael Lee (groin) and Graham Dowling (knee) are also out, with all having missed the last few games.

Games between these two sides have always been very close with never more than a goal between them in most encounters to date, but Longford do hold the upper hand with four wins against Mervue’s two wins, while they also played out an exciting 2-2 draw last October.

Mervue Utd
Injured: Damien O’Rourke (achilles)
Doubtful: Ger Hanley (shoulder), Nicky Curran (knee)
Suspended: None

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

Referee: Kevin O’Regan (Kerry)

Paddy Power Odds: Mervue Utd 11/5, Draw 9/4, Longford Town 21/20

Extratime prediction: A 1-1 draw.