League Preview: Longford Town -v- Finn Harps

• Deniese O'Flaherty
• Sat, May 17 2025

LONGFORD TOWN

Just goal difference separates bottom of the table Longford Town and tonight’s visitors to Bishopsgate Finn Harps, who are in eighth (kick-off 7.30pm).

Despite being unbeaten in their last two games, Town find themselves bottom of the table (on goal difference), behind Athlone Town and Harps.

Last weekend Town drew 1-1 away to UCD. Emmanuel Oluwafemi had put the Midlanders ahead in the 31st minute but Michael Raggett drew the home side level just before the break.

Speaking about the Harps game, Town manager Wayne Groves said: “Another tough game in fairness. 

"After we scored up in Finn Harps we probably resulted back into our shell a little bit then up there as well. 

"That’s something that we need to be that little bit more braver and positive. Finn Harps are a huge challenge at home, as is everyone. 

"I don’t think there is genuinely an easy game in the league for anybody. 

"At home that’s where you are looking to try and get yourself built up again and go and be more positive, and get the crowd behind us and hopefully get three points."

FINN HARPS

Since a 1-1 draw away to leaders Dundalk last month, Harps have lost their last three games in a row.

Last weekend they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Athlone Town. 

It was the second game in a row that Harps failed to score in. They are currently in eighth position in the table.

Injuries have hit the Harps squad over the last few weeks. 

Speaking ahead of the game in Longford, manager Kevin McHugh said: “Away from home against Longford. We have people out now, we have suspensions; yellow cards and people coming off injured which is not ideal. 

"Young Josh, we’ll assess him over the next 48 hours but it doesn’t look good for him. 

"He could be out until the window as well. It’s the wrong end of the pitch we are getting people injured because we are very light. From our goalkeeper, back four and sixes and midfield we are very very light. It’s something we’ll address in the transfer window. At the moment we are down to the barebones. But we’ll go.”

Referee: Daniel Murphy

MATCH STATS

The last time these two sides met earlier this year in Finn Park it ended 1-1.

In the four games between the sides last season Harps won 3 and the other game was a draw

Longford Town have conceded the most goals in the division this season - 26.

PREDICTION 

Longford Town 1-1 Finn Harps

Longford Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Josh Cullen.

Doubtful: Dara McGuinness, David Aziaya.

Suspended: Max Hutchinson. 

Thomas strikes late as Derry snatch point at Drogheda https://t.co/UKVdKvKoqDpic.twitter.com/TrTClxSVDq

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