League Preview: Longford Town -v- Finn Harps

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will be looking to bounce back from their gut-wrenching injury time defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers when they host Finn Harps at Bishopsgate on Tuesday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Red and Black impressed at Tallaght Stadium – and they even took the lead in the first-half of game at the home of the champions.

But it was not to be for Daire Doyle’s charges – although they will take plenty of encouragement from the defeat.

Next up is a midweek game at home to Finn Harps – and Town boss Doyle said he was confident his side can adapt to the challenge of midweek football for his part-time outfit.  

“Our lads looked really fit,” he said after Saturday’s defeat. “Towards the end of last season, it wasn’t a problem and I think despite being part-time, that we are one of the fittest teams in the league.

“It’s something that we pride ourselves on. We face a different challenge against Finn Harps. There may be some personnel changes going into that game – but we’ll make a call on that beforehand.

“It’s a challenge that awaits us with the midweek games and I feel it’s something we’re ready to deal with.”

In terms of team news, Dean Byrne, Dean Zambra, Aaron McNally and Callum Warfield are all expected to be ruled out with injury.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps visit Longford Town hoping to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season away to Sligo Rovers.

Teenager Jonny Kenny pounced on a mistake from Harps keeper Mark McGinley to give the Bit O’Red the victory.

But despite the defeat, Harps boss Ollie Horgan said that he is hopeful that his side can bounce from Saturday’s loss at the Showgrounds.

“We knew we weren’t going to go the whole season unbeaten. It’s about how we react from this now in a big game against Longford on Tuesday.

“It’ll be very difficult down in Longford. We’ve had a lot of difficulty down there through the years.

“Any side that loses out in the 93rd minute in Tallaght is a serious side. We’ll need to be at our best now on Tuesday to get anything from the game.”

Harps are likely to be without Ryan Connolly through injury while Mark Timlin, Conor Barry and Adam Foley are all rated as doubtful.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

The last time both teams played each other in the Premier Division, it was Longford Town who ran out 1-0 winners at Finn Park.

The previous occasion the teams met in a league game, Harps eased to a 3-0 win over the Red and Black at the same venue during the year they won promotion to the Premier Division.

BETTING

Longford Town 23/10; Draw 21/10; Finn Harps 11/10.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 2 – 1 Finn Harps

Longford Town

Injured: Dean Zambra, Aaron McNally, Dean Byrne, Callum Warfield.

Doubtful: None.  

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Ryan Connolly.

Doubtful: Adam Foley, Mark Timlin, Conor Barry.

Suspended: None.