Longford Town FC • Official Website
As confirmed by the SSE Airtricity League Twitter account, the SSE Airtricity League First Division Fixtures will be released at 1.00pm, Friday 10th January 2019. FIXTURES | 2⃣0⃣2⃣0⃣ First Division season Fixtures for the 2⃣0⃣2⃣0⃣ First Division season will be released at 1pm tomorrow 🙌 Make sure you’re following @SSEAirtricityLg to find out who you
Ten-man Cabinteely held firm against Longford Town in the first-leg of their First Division Playoff with a scoreless draw.
Kevin Knight was dismissed late on with a poor challenge on Michael McDonnell – as both sides will feel as if they have a real chance ahead of next week’s second leg in the Midlands.
In the playoffs for the first time in their brief League of Ireland history – Cabinteely made eight changes from their most recent league win over Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park, with Rob Manley returning to the starting XI for the Green and Whites.
Longford on the other hand, who were in the First Division Playoffs for the first time since 2013 made three alterations themselves from their win away to Cobh Ramblers – as Sam Verdon made his return to the fold after missing out on the win over the Rams.
Despite having a raft of key players out missing, the visitors started very well, with Adam Evans and Jack Doherty causing all sorts of issues for the hosts back four.
Dylan Grimes’ corner-kick was then just about turned away from goal, with confusion reigning supreme as certain sections of the ground believed the ball hit the back of the net, but referee Alan Carey was unmoved.
Grimes and Aaron Dobbs soon saw shots just go wide – before the hosts fashioned an opening of their own, with nobody able to turn home Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters cross into the box.
Longford Town captain Dean Zambra saw his cross from the left-flank met by a header from Sam Verdon, but he could only direct the ball at the Cabinteely shot-stopper.
Arguably the chance of the half came hallway through the opening period. Dobbs was fed in by a lovely through ball by Evans, but he could only shoot straight at Stephen McGuinness with a weak enough effort.
After a slow start, Cabinteely began to fight back as the half wore on, with Keith Dalton breaking the visitor’s line for the first time – forcing Lee Steacy into a fine save with his feet as Daire Doyle’s side hung on.
Cabo continued to press, but they were unable to turn their territory into chances, with both teams going in at the break scoreless – an outcome that both would have taken at the start of the game
In a second half that took its time in coming to life, Longford fashioned the first chance of the half, with Dobbs going close – but the former Drogheda netminder was on hand to avert the danger.
However, Cabo rallied and should have really tested Steacy in the Longford goal, but they were unable to score via the head of sub Yuta Sasaki – who could not get on the end of ‘Marty’ Waters’ inch-perfect cross.
Winger Paul Fox then saw a goal ruled out for offside – as he turned home a brilliant ball from the right by Eoin Massey as the assistant waved his flag despite looking onside.
The remaining quarter of the game was a naturally tense affair, with neither side willing to push forward in fear of conceding on the counter-attack.
Former Longford Town full-back Kevin Knight was then dismissed with just under five minutes of normal time to play – with a poor tackle on McDonnell going punished by referee Carey.
However, both teams will be pleased with the result, with the second leg well and truly set up for a dramatic showdown at City Calling Stadium next week.
CABINTEELY: Stephen McGuinness; Conor Keeley, Kevin Knight, Eoin Massey, Jack Tuite; Keith Dalton (Yuta Sasaki, 65), Paul Fox (Jack Hudson, 89), Vilius Labutis (Shane Barnes, 89), Zak O’Neill, Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters; Rob Manley.
Subs not used: Daniel Blackbyrne, Luke Clucas, Karl Manahan, Peter Quinlan.
Booked: Vilius Labutis (83).
Sent off: Kevin Knight (86).
LONGFORD TOWN: Lee Steacy; Conor Kenna, Joseph Manley, Michael McDonnell; Jack Doherty, Dylan Grimes (Peter Hopkins, 72), Paul O’Conor, Sam Verdon (Aodh Dervin, 76), Dean Zambra; Aaron Dobbs, Adam Evans.
Subs not used: Sean Boyd, Karl Chambers, Aaron McCabe, Tristan Noack Hofmann, Luke Dennison.
Booked: Joseph Manley (45+1), Michael McDonnell (81), Aodh Dervin (90+2).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Alan Carey.
Longford Town FC welcome Galway United to the City Calling Stadium tonight in what is a must win game for the Red and Black if they are to keep the pressure on Shelbourne, Drogheda and Cabo in the race for promotion.
Galway’s last win in the league was all the way back in May against us! A 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Vinny Faherty saw Alan Murphy’s side gain all 3 points at Eamonn Deacy Park. Since then, they’ve had a tough time at home and away. With losses against Bray, Drogheda, Longford, Limerick, Cobh, and Shelbourne, Galway sit third from bottom, even with a few good draws against Athlone, Wexford and Bray. At home to Bray last week, they had to come from behind twice to earn a draw. Conor Layng and talisman Vinny Faherty got the all important goals after Bray went ahead, first through an OG from Kevin Horgan in goal on seven minutes and then through Dylan McGlade on fifty minutes. Galway left it late but got their equalizer with six minutes remaining on the clock to gain a share of the spoils.
Sam Verdon pictured celebrating his goal last time out when Longford Town defeated Galway United 2-1 at the City Calling Stadium.
De Town suffered a disappointing setback last week against Cabinteely in Stradbrook. Neale Fenn’s men just couldn’t break down the home side’s big defensive line and Pat Devlin’s young side took full advantage and scored two good goals to seal the victory. Cabo sit one point ahead of Longford after their draw away to Drogheda last night so the Town can go two points clear of them and go back into third with a win against Galway tonight at the City Calling Stadium.
Both clubs have a win over each other with Galway winning 2-1 at Eamonn Deacy Park back in May and Longford winning by the same scoreline in June thanks to goals from Dean Byrne and Sam Verdon.
Galway announced the signing of centre back Killian Brouder from Limerick FC today and the 20 year old goes straight into the squad for tonight’s game.
Jack Doherty is doubtful for Longford while Jamie Doyle is unavailable.
Come out and support De Town in what is a huge game for the club!
Come on the Town!
The 21 year old joins De Town from Sheriff YC having joined them last year after leaving Shelbourne in August 2018.
The midfielder joined the Drumcondra based club in 2014, signing for their 19’s side and made his first team competitive debut in 2015 under Kevin Doherty.
Speaking to LTFC.ie, Grimes explained how it was Manager Neale Fenn’s style of play that convinced him to join the red and black and that promotion is the end goal for himself and the team this year.
“One of the reasons I decided to sign for Longford is that Neale imposes on the team a style of play I enjoy – the right way to play football…the club has a great chance of winning the league so I hope to help in any way I can..to go and win it and gain automatic promotion, that’s the main goal for me…”
Dylan is available for selection for Friday night’s big game away to Limerick FC at Markets Field. Kick off is at 7:45PM.
You can purchase tickets online here: https://eventmaster.ie/event/5oDsQvsEz
