League Preview: Longford Town -v- St Patrick's Athletic

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will be looking to move off the foot of the table when they welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to Bishopsgate on Saturday evening (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

As a result of Waterford’s win over Dundalk on Friday night, Longford head into the game two points behind the Blues.

And they are also winless since March – but they have been boosted this week with news that Aaron O’Driscoll is to stay at the club until the end of the season.

The game will also be the first Town have played in front of supporters this season – and their forward Rob Manley is relishing that prospect.

“It made such a difference to us last year,” he told his club’s media team.

“I remember when we were playing UCD, and we went a goal down, but we came back to win 3-1. The fans were brilliant then.

“It does make a difference. I’ve only played a few games with fans during my two years at Longford so it will be nice to see faces in the stands and see who’s supporting you.”

Manley also adds that he is hoping that the Red and Black can find a way to get a result against a St Pat’s side who are gunning for Europe this season.

“We worked hard against them the last time, but we just needed to be tighter defensively and keep our shape.

“Even though Pats are going for the league, we need to have a belief and think how we can dog out results against these teams and that’s what we’re going to look at doing this week.”

In terms of team news, Longford have no fresh injury issues to contend with, but manager Daire Doyle and assistant John Martin will have to watch from the stands. Stephen Maher will take charge of the side as a result.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

After falling to a 2-0 home defeat versus Dundalk before the break, Stephen O’Donnell’s Saints visit the Midlands with a point to prove.

But they will have to do it without O’Donnell in the Saints hotseat as he serves a touchline ban – along with his opposite number at Longford.

And while they won the last game between the teams, O’Donnell is wary of the threat Longford pose.

"Our 3-0 win over Longford at home was not an easy game and I don't think the score did justice the performance that Longford put in so we are under no illusions that it will be very tough,” he told his club’s media team.

“We saw the last time before the break that Shamrock Rovers scored with the last kick of the game to win 1-0 down there (in Longford)

“It will be a very competitive match and like every week, we know if we are not fully at it mentally and physically, we'll be in for a tough night.

“We need to look after ourselves and make sure we are tuned in and fully focused and we'll be ready after the little break, and if training over the last week is anything to go by, I'm very optimistic that we will be."

Sam Bone will miss the game through suspension while Shane Griffin is out with a shoulder injury.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

Longford Town are winless since their opening league game of the season when they saw off Derry City by two goals at Bishopsgate.

St Patrick’s Athletic on the other hand have only won twice away from home all season – securing wins over Bohemians and Finn Harps on their travels.

Longford have not defeated the Saints at home since August 2007, the year when now-manager Daire Doyle played for the Red and Black as a player.

BETTING

Longford Town 5/1; Draw 13/5; St Patrick’s Athletic 8/15.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1 - 1 St Patrick’s Athletic

Longford Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Shane Griffin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Sam Bone.