League Preview: Longford Town v Shamrock Rovers B

• Macdara Ferris
• Thu, Oct 02 2014




LONGFORD TOWN

History is calling for Longford Town at City Calling Stadium this Friday (kick off 8pm) as the Town have the chance to win the First Division title for the very first time. A win over the Shamrock Rovers B team will guarantee Tony Cousins’ men the title (as will also be the case if Shelbourne drop points at home to Galway).

Longford’s 2-0 away win in Waterford last week has left them on the cusp of being crowned champions and a return to the Premier Division after a seven year absence.

 

The Town have only lost once in their last 18 league games. They have beaten the Hoops twice this season (3-0 away win in August and 6-0 at home last May) but lost 2-1 in their first visit to Tallaght this year.

 

Pat Sullivan is suspended for the visit of his former club. Besides from Sullivan and long term absentee Willie Tyrell, Cousins can call on a full squad for a game to be played out no doubt in front of an expectant home crowd.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS B

The Rovers B team take their last away trip from Tallaght of the year on Friday as they look to spoil champions-elect Longford Town’s party. The Hoops come into the match having lost their last three games including 2-0 at home to Wexford Youths last time out.

 

On Tuesday night, Cian Kavanagh was elevated from Rovers’ First Division squad to make his debut with Pat Fenlon’s Premier Division team in their 3-0 win over UCD.

 

Kavanagh is one of three players from Colin Hawkins squad to make appearances in the top flight of the SSE Airtricity League. Defenders Evan Osam and Sean Heaney both have made three Premier Division appearances. Heaney scored in Rovers 2-1 win over Bray Wanderers earlier this season.

 

Having picked up eight yellow cards in 21 First Division appearances combative midfielder Ryan Doolin is suspended. Colin Hawkins will also have to do without full back Alan Kehoe after he picked up his fourth yellow card of the season last week.

 

However Swiss defender Maxime Vuille is available again following his return for Rovers after serving out his suspension received due to a red card he picked up in the recent 3-2 loss to Shelbourne.

 

Referee: Simon Rogers

 

MATCHSTATS

Longford have twice finished runners-up in the second tier of the League of Ireland (1999/00 and 2013) but they have yet to win a First Division title.

 

David O’Sullivan has scored 19 league goals this season for Longford Town, having finished top scorer in the division last year with a club record 24 goals.

 

Former Longford player Daniel Purdy along with Chris Lyons are the joint top scorers for the Hoops’ B team.

 

BETTING

Longford 1/7; Draw 11/2; Rovers B 14/1.

 

PREDICTION

3-1 home win

 

Longford Town

Injured: Willie Tyrell?

Suspended: Pat Sullivan? 

 

Shamrock Rovers B

Injured: Unavailable

Suspended: Ryan Doolin, Alan Kehoe