League Preview: Longford Town -v- Drogheda United

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sat, Apr 10 2021




LONGFORD TOWN

Newly promoted Longford Town will be looking to return to winning ways this evening as they welcome fellow newly promoted counterparts Drogheda United to Bishopsgate (kick-off is at 6pm).

The Red and Black were defeated last time out at home to Sligo Rovers – however they can be pleased with their display.

Daire Doyle’s charges were undone thanks to a Garry Buckley winner – but they had opportunities to level the game, with Aodh Dervin going close.

However, the Playoff winners now have their eyes set on defeating Drogheda United.

“Drogheda are a strong opposition this year,” forward Aaron Dobbs told his club’s media team.

“They have added well to their squad and we're under no illusions of the quality they possess.

“But we're confident going into every game. We're well drilled and have been working well in training.

“We're well prepared for them. There's a lot of competition for places so whether I'll get the call to start or not we'll have to be ready.”

Longford are expected to be without the forward trio of Rob Manley, Dean Byrne and Callum Warfield.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will be looking to win on the road for the first time this season as they take on First Division foes Longford Town – in the Premier Division this time.

The Drogs have had a wretched record against Longford in recent times – but it was Tim Clancy’s side who have finished ahead of them in the league in each of the last three seasons.

However, both teams are now in the top-flight – but Drogheda will be hopeful of ending their dismal record against Longford.

The Boynesiders come into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Finn Harps last time out, with Mark Doyle cancelling out Karl O’Sullivan’s opener.

In team news for Drogheda, Mark Hughes will again miss out against his former club as he continues his recovery from injury.

Goalkeeper Colin McCabe is doubtful having missed the draw against Finn Harps last week with a back injury.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

 

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have won the previous four of their last five league games against Drogheda – conceding twice.

Drogheda are winless at Bishopsgate since August 2013 - when they saw off the Red and Black in the FAI Cup.

BETTING

Longford Town 9/5; Draw 2/1; Drogheda United 7/5.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1 - 1 Drogheda United

 

Longford Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Rob Manley, Dean Byrne, Callum Warfield.

Suspended: None.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Mark Hughes.

Doubtful: Colin McCabe.

Suspended: None.