Shelbourne -v- Longford Town

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, May 19 2011


Alan Mathews’ Shelbourne face a tough challenge just off the back of last weeks’ top of the table clash with Cork City, as they welcome high-flying Longford Town to Tolka Park on Friday evening. (Kickoff 8 p.m.)

Both teams have enjoyed their first series of games for different reasons. Shelbourne managed to live up to all expectations as they sit top of the Airtricity League First Division table, two points ahead of Monaghan United. Last week saw the Reds come from a goal down to gain an invaluable point against Cork City, Karl Bermingham with his first of the season for Shels.

In a post match interview, Mathews reflected on proceedings and gave his overall evaluation of the first third of the season. Speaking to ShelsTV.com, he said “The number of points we’ve gotten from the first series of games is quite impressive and if we can continue in that way, we’ll be happy enough. There’s a lot of work to go – still some players missing and this evening, we altered the formation a bit and that gave us that bit of impetus we needed.”

Longford Town had their bye-week over the last round of games and will look to show that their time off has focused their minds firmly on this fixture. Their last league fixture, a fortnight ago, was a creditable one all draw with Cork City at Turners Cross, a good result but gained in a disappointing manner as only a late Jamie Murphy goal prevented the Town from leaving the “Rebel County” with all three points.

Shels will have to make do without their ever-reliable centre half Stephen Paisley for yet another week as his injury still hasn’t cleared up, and he has been ruled out of Friday’s encounter. It’s a big loss for Mathews side as the reassuring figure of Paisley has done well for them thus far. However, the form of Philip Hughes and David Cassidy should just about be enough to see them past this stern test.

Longford should be boosted by the probable return of their leading scorer Don Cowan after he missed out two weeks ago against Cork with a groin strain. His presence so far has been crucial to Longford’s fine form and his return could well be the difference on the night.
These teams’ first encounter of the year took place at Flancare Park on the opening weekend of the season when a late David Cassidy volley stole a victory for Shelbourne. Lee Roche had put the home side in front early on, before Conan Byrne levelled proceedings. In what was a tough battle to open the first series, an equally tough battle is expected to kick start the second series.

Shelbourne
Injured: Stephen Paisley.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Longford Town
Injured: Michael Lee, Graham Dowling.
Doubtful: Austin Skelly.
Suspended: Niall O’Reilly.

Referee: Sean Grant.
Paddy Power Odds: Shelbourne 4/7; Draw 12/5; Longford 5/1.
Extratime prediction: Shelbourne to just about edge it, 2-1.