FAI Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Longford Town

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will look to continue their quest for an eighth FAI Cup when they host First Division Longford Town on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Gypsies head into the Friday night showdown against their fellow Red and Black rivals off the back of a devastating six-one defeat away to Dundalk in the EA Sports Cup semi-final.

Keith Long’s side endured a torrid start to Monday evening’s last four clash, conceding four in the first half, with Patrick Hoban scoring four in the game.

Former Bohs winger Daniel Kelly also got on the scoresheet as did Patrick McEleney who added the gloss to a superb opening half performance.

Young forward Ross Tierney scored a second half consolation for Long’s charges who were punished for a dismal performance at the Co. Louth venue.

However, the Phibsborough outfit will take encouragement from their previous home league game, where they stuck ten past a sorry UCD.

Andre Wright scored four while Daniel Mandroiu got on the scoresheet with a hat-trick. Conor Levingston, Danny Grant and Tierney also scored on that historic occasion.

In terms of team news, Dinny Corcoran and Christian will both miss out with long-term injuries as James Talbot and James Finnerty both return from suspension and injury.

LONGFORD TOWN

After seeing their title hopes being dealt a fatal blow last week following the defeat to Shelbourne, Longford Town will look to add another FAI Cup win to their name when they travel to face Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

De Town were second best for much of last week’s pivotal showdown at City Calling Stadium, with Shels proving to be too hot for the Red and Black to handle.

Speaking after the game to his club’s media team, Town keeper Lee Steacy says he both he and his teammates have nothing to lose against his former employers.

“We’ve got nothing to lose going into the cup game against Bohs. Overall, we are where we want to be in the league.

“The Playoffs were the aim and that’s where we are. We’ll be positive going into that game and we’ll look to take what we can from the Shels game.”

Longford have not confirmed any team news ahead of the trip to Dalymount Park, but they will have the bonus of having no suspensions to deal with.

Referee: Paul Tuite.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have not secured victory over Bohemians at Dalymount Park since 2006, where De Town won by a solitary goal, thanks to an Alan Kirby winner.

The Gypsies have had the better of recent encounters between the sides – winning the previous four competitive games on the spin.

Bohemians and Longford both have both won two FAI Cup’s this millennium. Bohs won the prestigious tournament in 2000-01 and 2008 while Town won their only two in 2003 and 2004. 

BETTING

Bohemians 2/9; Draw 4/1; Longford Town 9/1.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 - 1 Longford Town

Bohemians

Injured: Dinny Corcoran, Christian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.