MATCH PREVIEW: Longford Town v Drogheda United

Match Preview by Tony Ghee

Longford Town host Drogheda United at the City Calling Stadium tonight at 7.30pm in a crucial promotion play-off six pointer, as third host second.

After last night’s victory for Bray against Limerick, and Shelbourne’s draw with Cabinteely, De Town are guaranteed to be at least third in the table after tonight’s contest. However, if Longford can make it a hat-trick of league wins over the visitors this evening, the Midlanders will move above Drogheda into second place and to within five points of leaders Shelbourne.

Last weekend, Drogheda recorded a fine 4-2 victory at home to Cobh, while Longford Town endured a disappointing three-one defeat away to Limerick.

Longford won both of the previous league encounters between the sides. Back in March, second-half goals from Dean Byrne, Aaron Dobbs and Peter Hopkins, earned Longford a three-nil triumph at the City Calling Stadium. Then at United Park in early May, Dobbs was again on the mark with the only goal of the match to secure three valuable points for Neale Fenn’s charges.

Longford’s two new signings, Jack Doherty and Dylan Grimes made their Town Debuts against Limerick last weekend, with Doherty starting before being replaced by Grimes on seventy-three minutes.

Town keeper Lee Steacy and defenders Conor Kenna and Anto Breslin have been ever present for the first team this season and will continue to lead the defence tonight with Shane Elworthy and Mick O’Donnell completing the back five.

Carlton Ubaezuonu who was an unused substitute last week is out through injury and Paul O’Connor remains unavailable through injury.

Action from our previous league match v Drogheda United at United Park in May which we won 1-0.