League Preview: Waterford United -v- Longford Town

• John O'Shea
• Thu, May 22 2014




WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United will be looking to build on last weekend’s South East derby 3-1 win over Wexford Youths when they host Longford Town at the RSC on Friday night. 

 

The win last week moved Waterford into 4^th place in the SSE Airtricity First Division table, level on points with Longford.

 

The sides played out a scoreless draw in the City Calling Stadium at the start of April and a win could see either side move to second place in the table this weekend. The Blues have picked up seven points from their five home league matches this season, with four goals scored in those matches.

 

 Speaking before the game Waterford manager Tommy Griffin said: 

“The results have gone our way and it’s a big game for us against Longford Town next week. All we can do is try build on these performances and take it from there. I’m delighted for the players because they are really working hard.”

 

The Blues will be without Peter White while he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Thomas Whitty (illness) is also a doubt.

 

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will be looking to keep their promotion push on track when they travel to Waterford on Friday night. Longford come into the game following their Leinster Senior Cup semi-final win over Sheriff YC.

 

The Midlanders beat Cobh Ramblers 2-0 at The City Calling Stadium last time out in the league. Crucially, Longford have two games in hand on their promotion rivals and this could prove a vital advantage.

 

Longford have strong ambitions to be among the promotions contenders and all associated with  the club will be hoping that they will be playing in the Premier Division sooner rather than later.

 

Manager Tony Cousins will be without midfielder Rhys Gorman through injury and Chris Deans, through suspension. Striker Don Cowan is also a doubt ahead of the game.

 

 

Referee:  Sean Grant

 

 

MATCH STATS

Waterford won the last league game between the sides in the RSC 1-0 back in August 2013.

 

The sides drew 0-0 in the league at the City Calling Stadium back in March.

 

Longford last won in the RSC back in March 2012.

 

 

BETTING

Waterford United 11/5; Draw 11/5; Longford Town 11/10.

 

PREDICTION

Waterford United 1-2 Longford Town

 

 

Waterford United

Injured: Peter White (ankle).
Doubtful: Thomas Whitty (illness)
Suspended: None.

 

Longford Town

Injured: Rhys Gorman (fractured skull)
Doubtful: Down Cowan (groin)
Suspended: Chris Deans