Longford Town's Rob Manley hoping to push on as First Division promotion race hots up

Andrew Dempsey reports from Tallaght Stadium

Longford Town forward Rob Manley admits that both he and his teammates are hoping to push on as the Red and Black moved level on points with league leaders Cabinteely.

Longford, while they have played a game more than most this season, only trail Pat Devlin’s side in the table on goal difference.

Daire Doyle’s charges moved level points with Cabo following their hard-fought win over Shamrock Rovers II at Tallaght Stadium on Friday evening.

Matchwinner Manley – who now has three league goals to his name as a Longford Town player – admits both he and his teammates are hopeful of pushing on in the coming weeks.

“We made it hard for ourselves at the end but I’m buzzing to get back on the scoresheet and hopefully we can go again on Saturday (against Drogheda),” the 2019 PFAI First Division Player of the Year told extratime.com.

“It’s the first time I’ve scored twice for Longford, so it feels good,” he adds.

“We’re starting to get there and click as group. The boys are knocking around really well, and we’ve been getting more chances which is always good.

“We have eight games left and with three goals I’m really looking to start pushing on now and get a few more to help add to the tally.”

The recently turned 23-year-old has benefitted in the last week as a result of Longford Town altering their formation in an attacking sense.



“I don’t think too much into it but it’s always nice to get more bodies around me and with the new shape it seems to be working that way,” Manley said.

“We’re linking up really well with everyone going forward. It’s looking positive from here.”

Just two weeks ago, Longford Town were on the verge of falling out of the playoff positions after a poor run of form.

However, they now lie joint-top and have been bolstered by the return of attacking star Dean Byrne.

“Dean Byrne is magic so to have him back for us is a massive plus,” Manley concludes. “To have him in your team is like having a superstar, he is unbelievable.

“We knew there was still games to go (after the Cobh defeat) until the end of the season and that teams would drop points.



“We just need to focus on ourselves, keep winning games and picking up points.”

    About Andrew Dempsey

    View Full Profile