FAI Cup Preview: Bangor Celtic -v- Longford Town

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Aug 25 2017




BANGOR CELTIC

Bangor Celtic welcome league opposition to the Iveagh Grounds in Crumlin in the second round of the FAI Cup (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

The Leinster Senior League side sealed passage to round two thanks to a dramatic late win over Everton AFC of Cork at the same venue two weeks ago.

 

Everton were leading 2-0 going into the final quarter before goals from Caleb Murray, Lar Dunne and Michael Fox completed a breathtaking comeback.

 

In the preceding qualifying round, Bangor beat their Senior Sunday counterparts in Cherry Orchard in an equally dramatic 3-2 end after extra time.

 

And Celtic have home ground advantage again for the visit of Longford and they'll fancy their chances of an upset against the midtable First Division side.

 

 

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town booked their place in the second round thanks to a 4-2 extra time over Sligo Rovers at City Calling Stadium.

 

Neale Fenn's side were trailing to their Premier Division opponents as the end of normal time before Sam Verdon's looping header forced an extra 30 minutes.

 

And it was they who showed the greater fitness and desire in extra time as goals from Peter Hopkins and Kealan Dillon took them through to the next round.

 

Longford have warmed up ideally for the game with a 7-1 thumping of midlands rivals Athlone Town, with David O'Sullivan grabbing his second hat-trick against them this year.

 

“The game on Friday is going to be very tricky,” O'Sullivan told the club's official website.

 

“I have played Bangor Celtic before during my time with Wicklow Rovers. The pitch is very big and we don’t know much about them.

 

“They have nothing to lose with all the pressure being on us. I am looking forward to it and I’m sure we will bring a decent crowd to cheer us on.

 

“We know it’s not going to be an easy game by any means and will prepare well this week in training”

 

 

Referee: Eoghan O'Shea.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Longford Town last met non-league opposition in the FAI Cup in 2015, when they overcame Cockhill Celtic and Sheriff YC on their way to the semi-finals.

 

Bangor Celtic last played in the FAI Cup in 2013, when they were eliminated in the first round by Tolka Rovers.

 

 

BETTING

Bangor Celtic 11/2; Draw 10/3; Longford Town 9/4.

 

PREDICTION

Bangor Celtic 2 – 3 Longford Town

 

 

Bangor Celtic

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

 

Longford Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.