League Preview: Dundalk -v- Longford Town

The final series of games is upon us and where better than to fix your gaze than at the team that has lead from the front this season? Dundalk welcome Longford to Oriel Park as they make the push for glory once again.

DUNDALK FC

Dundalk come into this game leading the pack with a six point cushion. They were made to work for their last league points in a narrow 1-0 victory over a resurgent Bray Wanderers. Dundalk old-boy, Peter Cherrie, was busy in the Bray net keeping The Town at bay. The game may well have been a rueful share of the points, from a Lilywhite perspective, but for new signing Ciarán Kilduff heading home on his debut.

A match on bank holiday Monday, gave the Lilywhites two days to recover from league duty ahead of a trip to Galway for the Semi-Final of the EA Sports Cup. A team with no less than six changes from the side that defeated Bray lined out and although competitive over 90 minutes and extratime, a 4-2 defeat on penalties means the current holders will relinquish that cup to either St Patrick’s Athletic or Galway United.

One competition they are still very much in the running for is the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division Title! Last night Setanta Ireland aired a documentary about the success of the Dundalk side of ’79 who were ‘a kick away’ from eliminating the mighty Celtic to book a Champions Cup quarter final showdown with Real Madrid. Unrepeatable stuff according to then captain, Dermot Keely. Given the pedigree of past Lilywhite sides, it might surprise some to know that if this Dundalk side retain the title they will do something that ’79 side never did, or any Dundalk team for that matter, win back to back titles.

A chance to write his name in the North East’s folklore isn’t something on the forefront of the pragmatic Stephen Kenny’s mind. His approach has always been to focus on the next game. With 12 games remaining in the league it won’t seem like too long before we see if this Dundalk side can create history. Kenny spoke with a respect of the Midlanders who have been competitive in both games against the Lilywhites this season:

“We have had two tough games against Longford this season. They have been difficult opponents but we are playing with confidence at the moment and want to continue our good form on Friday”.

There are no injuries or suspensions for the home side and new signing Sean Maguire has received his international clearance after leaving West Ham. Maguire’s availability bolsters Dundalk’s strike-power further after Ciarán Kilduff signed from St Pats last week.

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford’s last outing was an uninspiring 3-0 loss to a struggling Derry side. Results around them mean they remain in 6^th place although there is a massive 31 points gap between the Midlanders and their opposition today.

One point from four games and eleven goals conceded is not form that’s setting the league on fire. A trip to Oriel Park would probably be the last place Tony Cousins would want to try and change his side’s course. Nonetheless, Dundalk have drawn their last two matches in Oriel albeit against Champions League opposition and second placed Cork City.

Tony Cousins stated earlier in the season that staying in the Premier Division would be his first and foremost goal and on that front Longford are very much on target going into the final series of games. Recent form might have them looking over their shoulder but they look like they will avoid the relegation pitfall that befell their midland rivals Athlone last season.

Longford’s squad is strengthened by the arrival of 18 year old Philip Gannon. Gannon arrives from West Bromwich Albion’s academy and could be available pending international clearance. There are no injury or suspension reports from the club.

Referee: Tomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

Dundalk have scored in every league game they have played this season

There hasn’t been a scoreless draw between these sides since 2008

Both managers have connections to their opposition clubs; Stephen Kenny started his managerial career with Longford and Tony Cousins made his first competitive senior appearance in a Lilywhite jersey before signing for Liverpool.

BETTING

Dundalk 2/11; Draw 11/2; Longford 14/1

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2 – 0 Longford

Dundalk FC

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.