League Preview: Shamrock Rovers II -v- Longford Town

SHAMROCK ROVERS II

Shamrock Rovers II will be hoping that they can build on their four-nil win away to Athlone Town when they welcome Longford Town to Tallaght Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Hoops produced a stunning second-half display to see off Athlone last time out, with Brandon Kavanagh’s brace helping Aidan Price’s side on their way to victory.

Max Murphy and Michael Leddy also got their names on the scoresheet for the young Hoops who picked up their second win in three games.

During their last game against Longford Town, Rovers II could may counted themselves unfortunate to leave Bishopsgate with nothing to show.

The Hoops’ second-string proved a real threat to Longford at times, with Sinclair-Armstrong going closest with one of his efforts crashing off Lee Steacy’s post.

They also had Sean Brennan playing that night, Brennan was on loan at Longford Town last season, and impressed at times during a strong second half display from Rovers II

Shamrock Rovers II only confirmed absentee for their clash against Longford Town will be defender Sean Callan.

Callan – who was on loan at Wexford last season – has received a suspension after picking up five yellow cards.  

LONGFORD TOWN

After getting back to winning ways on Monday evening against Wexford, Longford Town will be hoping for back-to-back wins when they visit Tallaght Stadium on Friday evening.

The Red and Black will be buoyed after scoring twice late on against Brian O’Sullivan’s Wexford.

Substitute on the night Aaron McCabe will naturally enough take much of the acclaim for Town’s win over Rovers II, however.

The Cavan man came on as an 83^rd minute sub and scored twice. His first was a sensational lob over Tom Murphy while he bagged his second in the third minute of added time.

The game also saw the return of long-term absentee Dean Byrne who had been recovering from a career-threatening injury earlier this year.

Byrne was replaced in the 70^th minute by Karl Chambers as he made his first start since recovering from the injury. 

Longford Town have not won a First Division game in Dublin since their 5-1 win over UCD in June 2018.

Longford Town have yet to release team news ahead of their trip to Tallaght Stadium, but they do have no suspension issues to worry about.

However, there may be doubts over the fitness of talismanic midfielder Sam Verdon who was forced off after just 22 minutes during the 3-1 win over Wexford.

Referee: Mark Moynihan.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have only ever won twice at Tallaght Stadium previously, the first time against Shamrock Rovers B in 2014 and the second time over the Hoops’ first-team in the 2018 version of the EA Sports Cup.

Shamrock Rovers II have yet to be defeated at home in the First Division, winning once (against Wexford), and drawing twice (versus Galway United and Drogheda United).

Longford Town have the third best away record in the First Division this season, although they have only scored twice on their travels this campaign.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers II 11/4; Draw 12/5; Longford Town 5/6.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 0 - 1 Longford Town.

Shamrock Rovers II

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Sean Callan

Longford Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.