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The kick-off time for the above SSE Airtricity League First Division fixture between Longford Town and Galway United on Monday, 3rd June at City Calling Stadium has been changed from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.
Tonight’s SSE Airtricity League game v Galway United has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the City Calling Stadium.
The game will be rescheduled to a later date.
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Longford Town will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they host Galway Utd at the City Calling Stadium on Saturday night.
The Town go into the contest on five points after a home victory over Drogheda and successive away draws with Limerick and Cabinteely, while Galway’s three points were earned courtesy of a convincing four-nil victory away to Wexford.
Galway lost both their home games against the two favourites for the First Division Title. They were two-nil up against Shelbourne after seventy four minutes but incredibly lost three-two. Then last weekend, Galway also lost one-nil to Bray with Dean O’Halloran’s seventy-first minute strike inflicting defeat on the Tribesmen.
Last week, Longford took the lead away to Cabinteely as Sam Verdon struck for the visitors, but a much improved second-half display secured the Dubliners a point as Rob Manley equalised on fifty-six minutes.
Screenshot: Longford Town TV (YouTube)
Neale Fenn’s charges will have to keep a careful watch on dangerous striker Vinny Faherty who scored against Shels and also Colin Kelly who has two goals in the opening three games. Big Galway centre-half, Stephen Walsh is a former Longford Town player and he is a quality opponent who is excellent both defensively and from set-pieces as an attacking threat.
The return of defender Kevin Knight to the Town squad means that Carlton Ubaezuono is the only absentee for the home side.
Goalkeeper, Lee Steacey had this to say about the opposition for Saturday night.
It was one thing beating Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup and on their ground. But the big question on all supporters’ minds leading up to the Galway game was, could we maintain that momentum. After all, there was huge motivation for the westerners too because home defeat would surely signal an end to their season’s ambitions.
Thankfully our fears were laid to rest with a controlled display by a determined, spirited Town display. Two well goals each from Jamie Doyle and Dylan McGlade saw us run out comfortable 1-4 winners. Three points bagged and three goal cushion away from home saw the large travelling support leave Galway with Galway Bay sized grins. What was particularly pleasing about this win was that our mounting injury list didn’t seem to impact as much as some feared. We’ll need all the stored up reserve energy as we face more vital league games in September.
Quite a few people are now comparing the heroics of Dylan McGlade to those of Eric Lavine. For those who never witnessed Eric’s wizardry, it’s a huge compliment. Sporting media outlets in the west have been marvelling at his silken skills which always make for pleasing reading. Long may Dylan continue to ply his magic while donning the red and black.
This Saturday night we face Shels once again. This time it’s the FAI Cup Second Round. Despite our poor form against the Dublin side, we’ve never been too far behind them. We know from top displays throughout the season that we beat the very best of teams. Well surely we’re due one victory in late August against our visitors. We’ve already put one team wearing red and white to the sword, now it’s time to repeat the dose against Shels. Kick off is 7.30 this Saturday night in what promises to be a real cup cracker.
Congratulations to Ken Keenan, a sports photographer based in the west. His timely pic perfectly captured our heroic win over Galway last week end. In it, the beaten home keeper looks distraught as he lies facing his own goal post. Goal scorer Jamie Doyle, his chest puffed out awaits the plaudits from his onrushing, jubilant team mates and in the background the visiting Town supporters jump in noisy celebration with young Burke as cheerleader. Some supporters are seen, out of focus, texting the welcome news. If ever a picture painted a thousand red and black words, this was it. Well done Ken with the keen eye.
You can find his pictures from the night here…
It was great to see our long serving, loyal supporter Raymond Grehan picking up his well merited medal on Sunday. The Longford Marathon was run on Sunday last and one of the many participants was our own Ray of sunshine. There may have been many more but he was the only one noticed by this note scribbler.