League Preview: Longford Town -v- Dundalk

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sun, May 02 2021




LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will be looking to get back to winning ways on Monday evening as they welcome Dundalk to Bishopsgate (kick-off is at 5.45pm).

The Red and Black fell to defeat in their last outing at Richmond Park – with two defensive errors costing Daire Doyle’s side dearly in the capital.

Longford impressed for the most part at Richmond during the first-half however – but they were undone by a Chris Forrester brace in the end.

Despite defeat, Town will be pleased with their competitiveness against the Saints as they get set to welcome Dundalk to the Midlands on Monday evening.

Longford have however not defeated Dundalk in a competitive game since October 2008, when they ran out 2-1 winners at Oriel Park.

Their last home league win over the Co. Louth side came in 1999 – when the then Stephen Kenny managed Longford won by a goal to nil.

In terms of team news, Town are expected to be without Callum Warfield and Aaron McNally again. Dean Zambra may also return after a recent injury.

DUNDALK

After securing their second league win of the season on Friday night, Dundalk visit Longford Town looking for their third win on the bounce.

Jim Magilton’s side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Waterford – and it was a performance that the ex-QPR and Ipswich Town boss was pleased with.

“It was a magnificent all-round team performance against Waterford,” he told his club’s media team.

“There are still lots of things we can improve on, but we were delighted with the clean sheet and delighted for the players. Day by day, week by week, game by game, our confidence is growing.”

Ahead of Monday’s game in Longford, midfielder Chris Shields added: “We have settled things down at the back over the last few weeks and we deserved the clean sheet in Waterford. We got a bit of good fortune, but we’ll take it.

“Two away games on the trot is never easy and Longford are a good side on their day. I know Daire Doyle well and he will have them playing well. It’s about us going down there and trying to keep this momentum going.”

David McMillan, Cameron Dummigan, Patrick Hoban, Sonni Nattestad and Brian Gartland remain out for Dundalk but Darragh Leahy and Daniel Kelly are expected to return to the fold.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have not met Dundalk in a league game since 2016, where they fell to a 3-0 defeat to the Lilywhites at Bishopsgate.

Dundalk’s win over Waterford last time out was the first time they secured back to back league games since February 2020.

Longford are winless since the opening day of the season – while Dundalk have only won once on the road so far this season.

BETTING

Longford Town 11/2; Draw 3/1; Dundalk 4/9.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1 - 1 Dundalk

 

Longford Town

Injured: Callum Warfield, Aaron McNally.

Doubtful: Dean Zambra.

Suspended: None.

 

Dundalk

Injured: David McMillan, Cameron Dummigan, Patrick Hoban, Sonni Nattestad, Brian Gartland.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.