League Preview: Galway United -v- Longford Town

• Paul Corcoran
• Fri, Mar 30 2018




GALWAY UNITED

Galway United face Neale Fenn’s Longford Town for the first time this season on Friday night after frustratingly coughing up a two-goal lead against Drogheda United last week.

Eoin McCormack was on form, scoring two goals, but even with the Boynesiders reduced to ten men, Galway showed their defensive frailties and left United Park with just a point.

Shane Keegan’s side are in good form however, unbeaten in their opening four games at home in the First Division as well as winning their two home games against Athlone Town and Cabinteely. Galway will be looking to keep that run going when Longford visit.

"We were frustrated and annoyed coming away from Drogheda," Keegan told the club’s website.

"We felt like a team that had been beaten and that's how we should feel. The manner in which we conceded the goals was disappointing,

"Usually a draw away to Drogheda is a good result, especially when you look at their result against Finn Harps, but when you're 2-0 up at half time and then 2-1 up against ten men, you have to see it out and we didn't do that.

"We came in on Saturday and had a frank discussion, we pushed it to one side and now we need to deliver our best performance of the season on Friday against Longford. The way training has gone this week, I don't see why we can't.

"It's already an important game for both sides, you look at the league table and any game between the top six is already looking like a six pointer.

"The Easter weekend in Galway is always fantastic, we're hoping that the people will pencil in a trip to Eamonn Deacy Park to start their weekend off. There is no doubt, seeing a big crowd when you walk out has a tangible effect on our players."

Galway United were without Robbie Williams and Danny Furlong last week and the pair are rated as 50/50 for the Longford Town game. Aaron Conway returns to the squad after recovering from a hamstring problem while Ronan Manning and Adam Rooney will both be assessed on Friday evening after being on international duty with the Irish School’s side on Thursday.

 

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town have been performing well so far this season. We’re looking at a very tight group at the top of the First Division table and from the opening games it seems De Town will be up there with the top teams.

Their only loss of the season would have been disappointing for Neale Fenn when they were downed 3-2 by Shelbourn. Besides that. a draw against Cobh Ramblers and two big wins over Wexford and Athlone Town have been enough to keep them in touch with the top of the table so far.

There’s goals in this team and both sides will be wary of each other’s attacking threat. Longford themselves have scored 12 in their opening four games.

A major issue for Neale Fenn on Friday night is the absence of Darren Meenan after suffering a hamstring injury against Shelbourne a fortnight ago. Peter Hopkins is rated as 50/50 with a hamstring injury suffered in the same game while Dylan McGlade is still serving out a suspension.

Referee: Damien MacGraith

 

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have not beaten Galway since March 2015 when they won 2-1 at Eamonn Deacy Park. Goals from Gary Shaw and Don Cowan from the visitors while Jake Keegan scored for United.

They drew in all three meetings between the sides during the 2016 season, the last time both clubs were in the same division.

Galway and Longford are two of the top scoring sides in the First Division, having scored ten and 12 goals respectively so far this season.

 

BETTING

Galway United 19/17; Draw 47/17; Away 55/21.

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-2 Longford Town

 

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Robbie Williams, Danny Furlong, Ronan Manning, Adam Rooney.

Suspended: None.

 

Longford Town

Injured: Darren Meanen.

Doubtful: Peter Hopkins.

Suspended: Dylan McGlade.