Match Preview: Longford Town FC v Galway United

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Longford Town FC v Galway United
Friday 1^st June 2018
City Calling Stadium, 7.45pm

by James Donnelly

The last time De Town and the Tribesmen met, both clubs played out an entertaining scoreless draw at Eamonn Deacy Park, in a game where local star Aodh Dervin shined, both managers, in particular Town’s Neale Fenn, felt that they could have nicked a winner. A good result away for Longford Town all the same.

Coming into tonight’s game off the back of a disappointing away draw against Athlone Town, Longford will be looking for all 3 points to put them back in the run of things for a play-off spot come the end of the season. Luckily enough with the way league results have gone, Longford have not fallen behind by much. Galway are only 4 points ahead of us going into the game, albeit 3 places ahead on the table, so a win for De Town is a must.

Galway come to the City Calling Stadium off the back of a frustrating 1-0 loss at home to Drogheda United last week. Shane Keegan’s men have been doing well however, currently sitting pretty in 3^rd place, they’re only 5 points behind league leaders UCD.

Longford's Shane Elworthy pictured in action against former Town player Ryan Connolly during the club's last encounter at Eamonn Deacy Park in March.

Longford Town will be looking to the likes of Daniel O’Reilly, Aodh Dervin and Dean Byrne tonight, should Dean get his chance to go in, with Town striker Chris Mulhall suspended after receiving a straight red in last week’s draw with Athlone. The experience of O’Reilly along with the creativity of Dervin in midfield may prove crucial in tonight’s game.

Galway have former Longford Town player Ryan Connolly in the centre of the field. Connolly, who is club captain, is one of Galways top players, and the Westerners will be looking to his leadership to guide them to a win. Throw in the the possibility of the always threatening Danny Furlong and Town’s defence will have their hands full.

De Town will have to do without Peter Hopkins, Adam O’Connor, Shane O’Connor, Cian Byrne and Alan Kehoe who all remain on the injured list. Chris Mulhall misses out through suspension. Galway are still missing Alan Conway (injured) while prolific goal scorer Danny Furlong remains doubtful along with Tadgh Ryan.

Kick off tonight is 7.45pm

#cmondetown