League Preview: Wexford -v- Longford Town

WEXFORD

Struggling Wexford will have it all to do when they host playoff hunting Longford Town at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Slaneysiders have not won a league game since April and will be hoping to cause a major shock in terms of their end of season rally.

The game will also see the return of former Wexford duo Jack Doherty and Aaron Dobbs who now both ply their trade for Longford.  

Brian O’Sullivan’s side have been ravaged in recent weeks following the departures of key men such as Danny Furlong, Jack Doherty and defender Darragh O’Connor.

O’Connor departed the club on Tuesday and has since joined Premier League Leicester City having impressed with the clubs first-team squad this year.

Goals have become a major issue for O’Sullivan’s side in recent weeks, only scoring once since the departure of record scorer Furlong.

In terms of team news for the Ferrycarrig Park outfit, Lee Costello is the only confirmed absentee as he misses out with suspension.

LONGFORD TOWN

After the turmoil of last week, Longford Town will be looking to get back to winning ways when they make the trip to face struggling Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday evening.



Previous manager Neale Fenn departed the club last weekend as took the reins of Premier Division strugglers Cork City with former assistant Daire Doyle taking over as interim boss.

Doyle was in the dugout for last week’s penalty shootout defeat away to Bohemians. While Town impressed against the Gypsies, Doyle was wary of the challenges the Slaneysiders pose to his side.   

“We are expecting a very difficult challenge down there. Brian has a very well set-up side and they are well organised.

“It’s a massive game for us and we need the three points to help us kick on until the end of the season,” the Longford interim boss concluded.

Town captain Dean Zambra also added; “It won’t be easy at all and I expect it to be completely different to the game against Bohemians.

“The onus will be on us to go down there and attack. They haven’t been in great form but they’re always a tough side to play against at home and they’ll always put it up to you.



“We’re going to work hard to try and break them down and it’s back to reality for us in the First Division and we need to get the three points in whatever way we can.

Sean Boyd is Longford’s only absentee, missing out with suspension as he also nurses a hamstring strain from last week’s defeat at Dalymount Park

Referee: Paula Brady.

 

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have only seen off the challenge on the previous two occasions this term by a one-goal margin.

Longford secured a come from behind victory at Ferrycarrig Park firstly before Jamie Doyle scored a late winner the last time both sides met at City Calling Stadium.  

Wexford are winless in the league since April, when they defeated Athlone Town at Ferrycarrig Park by two goals to nil.

BETTING

Wexford 6/1; Draw 4/1; Longford Town 3/10.

PREDICTION

Wexford 0 - 3 Longford Town

 

Wexford

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Lee Costello.

 

Longford Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Sean Boyd.