League Preview: Cork City -v- Longford Town

Action from Cork City's FAI Cup win over Longford Town in August 2020

Action from Cork City's FAI Cup win over Longford Town in August 2020 Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)

CORK CITY

First Division league leaders Cork City stretched their unbeaten run to ten games in all competitions following their victory at St. Colman’s Park last weekend. 

They were pushed to the very limit by a determined Cobh Ramblers side who came back from 2-0 down in the second half and had numerous chances even after City went ahead again. 

They showed a vulnerability in defence that had not been exposed previously. The win proved crucial as other teams around them all picked up points. On a positive note, it also demonstrated their fighting spirit and refusal to give in. 

Colin Healy made a point of how much the fans have been behind the team. 

“Fans can see that when we go on the pitch, we give everything,” said Healy. “That’s what we ask for. And I say that when you put on that jersey that you give everything for yourself, for the team, for the club. They are doing that and hopefully it continues.”

Cian Coleman also emphasised the role of the crowd as they face Longford. “They are a good footballing side. We want to make it tough for every single team coming down here though. The crowd is a massive help for us. It will be a difficult game, but we fancy ourselves against anyone.”

LONGFORD TOWN

An impressive scoreless draw last time out with Treaty United extended their unbeaten run to seven games. Given the general uncertainty around the club following last season’s relegation, and a slow start to this campaign, they have impressed many so far.

Despite a large turnover of players from last season and the arrival of a new manager, they find themselves in third at the moment with games in hand on the sides above them. 



They were boosted by the return of Cristian Magerusan to the bench for the first time this season. The Romanian native picked up an injury shortly after joining from Bohemians. He provides competition up front alongside the likes of Sam Verdon, Eric Molloy and Karl Chambers.

It is the back-line who have taken much of the credit for their good start with only five goals conceded from their nine games so far. 

MATCH STATS

It finished 0-0 in the first encounter of 2022 up in Bishopsgate in what was Longford’s first game of the season. Both sides had opportunities to score but ultimately it was a fair result. 

It had been a few seasons since either side had met each other in the league other than cup games. Back in 2016 City beat Longford in all three games as the midlanders were relegated. They did manage to score an impressive 3-2 victory at Turners Cross to stay the previous campaign though. 

City knocked Longford out of the FAI Cup in 2020, winning 1-0 after extra-time in Turner's Cross.



BETTING

Cork City 4/6; Draw 13/5; Longford Town 10/3

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-1 Longford Town 

Cork City

Injured: Dylan McGlade, Gordon Walker, George Heaven, Alec Byrne

Suspended: None

Longford Town

Injured: N/A

Suspended: None

 

    About Philip Morrissey

    Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile