League Preview: Longford Town - v - Derry City

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Oct 30 2015




LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town welcome Derry City to City Calling Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm) having secured Premier Division football for another season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Drogheda United at United Park last week.

 

A win or a draw will ensure a top-half finish for Tony Cousins' side – a more than adequate return for their first season back in the top flight, when many tipped them to struggle throughout.

 

Don Cowan and Pat Flynn remain long-term absentees for Longford, while experienced defender Mark Rossiter limped off against Drogheda.

 

 

DERRY CITY

Derry City, like their opponents, have the possibility of a top-half finish to fight for, an outcome that appeared far from likely when Paul Hegarty took over after Peter Hutton's dismissal in September.

 

Hegarty told the club's website: “The boys have trained well all week, but I think Longford will be busting a gut to finish sixth.

 

“It would be a fantastic season for them, to be fair. Tony (Cousins) has done a fantastic job. I think he would have taken your hand off if you have offered him that at the start of the season.

 

“We know what Longford are like and if we can play to our full potential than we are capable of winning the game.”

 

Hegarty has a full squad to choose from with the exception of the injured Josh Daniels.

 

Referee: Robert Hennessey.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Longford Town and Derry City have met twice this season, with Derry following up a creditable 0-0 draw at City Calling with an emphatic 3-0 win at the Brandywell in July.

 

 

BETTING

Longford Town 15/8; Draw 23/10; Derry City 7/5.

 

PREDICTION

Longford Town 0 – 0 Derry City

 

 

Longford Town

Injured: Don Cowan, Pat Flynn.

Doubtful: Mark Rossiter.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: Josh Daniels.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.