Match Preview: Longford Town FC v Cabinteely FC

Match Preview by James Donnelly

SSE Airtricity League First Division
Longford Town FC v Cabinteely FC
Saturday 10th May | 7.30pm
City Calling Stadium

The two top teams of the first division come head to head at the City Calling Stadium on Saturday night. Neale Fenn's unbeaten Longford Town side welcome Pat Devlin's high flying Cabinteely who are just one point behind De Town in the league table.

Longford will be looking to make it 5 home wins out of 5 and extend their unbeaten run to 11 consecutive games. Cabo will be no pushover though as they are in great form away from home having beaten Wexford, Cobh, Drogheda and Shels on the road.

The last meeting between the two clubs back in March saw the points shared as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Goals from Rob Manley (brother of current LTFC defender Joe) and Sam Verdon decided the encounter in a game that both teams felt they could have gotten the win from.

Since then, both clubs have been in flying form with the De Town just edging ahead by one point but also with a game in hand due to a home game against Galway being postponed for the June Bank Holiday.

The Red and Black had a brilliant win away to Drogheda last week thanks to an Aaron Dobbs goal just before half time. They had their work cut out for them in the second half however, as the home side brought wave after wave of attack but the back line of Lee Steacy in goal, Shane Elworthy, Mick McDonnell, Conor Kenna and Anto Breslin held firm for yet another clean sheet.

Cabo are coming into Saturday's game on a high. Pat Devlin has transformed this team over the last few months and they cannot be underestimated. A win away to Wexford was followed by a hard fought draw away to Bray and a brilliant win at home against Shelbourne thanks to Kieran Marty Waters. The threat of Waters is always present and throw in the first division top scorer Rob Manley and it makes for an interesting game. The top scorer of the division up against the best defence in the division should provide an intriguing contest.

In terms of team news for Longford, Neale Fenn has a full selection to choose from this week. Kevin Knight made his first competitive start against Drogs last week and may well start against his former club this weekend. Peter Hopkins returned last week also after being out ill, the week before.

No team news in for Cabinteely.

Kick off on Saturday is at 7.30pm.

C'mon De Town!