League Preview: Longford Town -v- Cobh Ramblers

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sat, Oct 17 2020




LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town need just a point if they are to reach the First Division promotion play-offs when they welcome Cobh Ramblers to Bishopsgate this evening (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

Longford Town all but confirmed their spot in the First Division playoff positions last weekend thanks to a 3-0 win over Cabinteely.

Longford will perhaps feel fortunate to an extent to have left the South Dublin venue with a three-nil win, but they will undoubtedly be pleased with the result.

Matthew O’Brien gave Town a first-half lead before Rob Manley scored a second-half brace to seal the deal for the Red and Black.

The result moved Daire Doyle’s charges to within a point of Drogheda United in second.

In terms of team news, Aaron McNally is ruled out with an illness, while Sam Verdon and Dylan Grimes are both out with injury.

Dean Zambra however returns to the fold after missing out last weekend with a concussion.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers will be acutely aware that it is win or bust in terms of their playoff aspirations this evening when they take on Longford Town.

The Rams must win their final two league games if they are to reach the First Division promotion playoffs.

And following their big win away to Wexford last week, Cobh defender Charlie Lyons said that he still believes they can reach the playoffs.

“Last week was a very good performance all round,” Lyons told his club’s media team.

“Wexford can be a tough place to go, especially when you need a result. We dealt with that very professionally and got the three points.

“Saturday night is now the biggest game of the season for us. It’s do or die from here on in.

“I still believe that we are in with a chance of the play-offs and if we just focus on ourselves, not worrying about other results, we can go there and get the win.”

Cobh Ramblers will be without Ben O’Riordan this evening – while Darragh Crowley and David Hurley are both doubts.

 

Referee: Gavin Colfer.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have only won twice at home versus Cobh Ramblers since their return to the First Division in 2017.

Stuart Ashton’s Cobh Ramblers have won four of their previous away league games – with their only defeat coming away to Athlone Town in September.

Daire Doyle’s Longford have only registered two clean sheets at home in 2020 First Division - with their last coming against Athlone in August.

BETTING

Longford Town 7/10; Draw 14/5; Cobh Ramblers 29/10.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1 - 1 Cobh Ramblers

 

Longford Town

Injured: Dylan Grimes, Aaron McNally, Sam Verdon.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Ben O’Riordan.

Doubtful: Dave Hurley, Darragh Crowley.

Suspended: None.