League Preview: Longford Town -v- Athlone Town
- Andrew Dempsey
- Sat, Aug 12 2023
LONGFORD TOWN
Longford Town have a chance to close the gap on fifth-place Wexford to just one point when they host Athlone Town on Saturday evening (kick-off is at 7.30pm).
The Red and Black went 20 games unbeaten against Athlone before last season, but they have not beaten the Co Westmeath side in their last four games.
The two meetings so far this season have seen Athlone win both fixtures – 3-1 on the opening night of the season and 1-0 in June.
But Longford have improved since then and can now boast a number of new recruits.
Strikers Jordan and Ola Adeyemo have impressed since joining while Dylan Hand, Lewis Temple and Adam Wixted have also caught the eye.
And their two wins last weekend have given their play-off hopes a welcome shot in the arm.
On the Friday, Town fought back from 2-1 down late on to claim a 3-2 win against Treaty United at the Market’s Field.
And they then backed that up with a stunning 4-2 win against Bray Wanderers on Monday at the Carlisle Grounds.
Stephen Henderson’s side fell to 2-0 down but turned in a thrilling last half hour display to stun the Seagulls.
Longford have been boosted with the return of Aaron Walsh from suspension for tonight’s Midlands derby. Bastien Hery may also feature.
ATHLONE TOWN
Sitting comfortably in the play-off places, Athlone Town will be wary that they need to keep picking up results if they are to remain there by the end of the season.
Dario Castelo’s side sit on 37 points and are five points clear of sixth-placed Bray Wanderers on 32 points having played a game less.
And after last Monday’s superb 4-1 win at home to Finn Harps they come into their Midlands derby clash with a new sense of purpose.
Before that they failed to win in any of their previous four games – one was an FAI Cup game against Derry City.
But last Monday’s win over Harps came at a cost as Michael Peprah was dismissed late on so he will miss Athlone’s trip to Longford via suspension.
Referee: Jason Moore.
PREDICTION
Longford Town 1-1 Athlone Town
Longford Town
Injured: Oisin Hand.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Athlone Town
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: Michael Peprah.
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