Monaghan United -v- Longford Town

• Sam Griffin
• Thu, Apr 07 2011


High flying Longford Town provide the latest test for Roddy Collins as his Monaghan United side look to continue their impressive, unbeaten start to the 2011 season in Gortakeegan on Friday night. (Kick-off 8.00)

The Mons have looked impressively rejuvenated under their new boss and sit in fourth place in the First Divison. Despite losses to Shels on the opening day of the season and Limerick two weeks ago, Longford have looked just as impressive as their Northern rivals and currently occupy second place. It looks set to be a tight battle on Friday night between two sides playing to their full potential.

The key to Monaghan’s resurgence under Collins has been their ability to score goals and they have racked up an impressive total of nine goals in their four games. Declan O’ Brien was the latest to add to this tally with his two strikes against Cork City last weekend earning his side a 2-2 draw.

Monaghan certainly haven’t been shy in front of goal with five other players having already hit the net this year. Sean Brennan scored twice in the comprehensive 3-0 win over Salthill Devon the week before last, while goals from midfielders Eric Foley, Alan Byrne and John Reilly show Monagahn are a side who can hit you from all over the pitch and this is something Longford will be keenly aware of.

Roddy Collins was dealt a double blow this week with both Paul Whelan and Aidan Collins picking up knocks which make them doubtful for Friday night’s game, while Alan Byrne and Conor McMahon are suspended.

While Monaghan’s progress under their new manager has been very public, Longford have gone about their business quietly, but just as efficiently. Their 2-0 defeat of Athlone Town last Saturday saw the side jump up to second place in the league.

Longford were unlucky to lose to league leaders Shelbourne by a single goal on the opening day of the season. However they bounced back quickly and successive victories over Wexford Youths and Mervue saw them rise quickly up the table.

Similarly to Monaghan, Longford have proved very dangerous when given space in front of goal. Leading scorer Jacques Morley has looked very good so far this season and scored in that victory against Athlone last weekend.

Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star Keith Gillespie also featured in that game as he made his Airtricity League debut. The 58th minute substitute revealed after the game how happy he was to be playing football again. While the midfielder is probably still a bit short of match fitness, he could be in the running for another appearance off the bench.

Monaghan United:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Paul Whelan and Aidan Collins.
Suspended: Alan Byrne and Conor McMahon.

Longford Town:
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Rob Daly.
Paddy Power Odds: Monaghan United 8/11; Draw 9/4; Longford Town 10/3.
Extratime prediction: A 1-1 draw.