Shelbourne v Longford Town Preview

Shels come into Friday night's game on 15 points, just 1 point behind Longford Town on the First Division league table after last week's round of fixtures. They hosted Cabinteely at Tolka and suffered a 4-1 loss, while Longford Town celebrated their biggest win of the season with a 5-0 demolition job on Wexford at City Calling Stadium.

Town played Shels on the opening day of the season last February in Tolka in what was a competitive but scoreless draw. The following clash in April at City Calling Stadium saw Longford earn a decent 3-1 win over the Dublin side with Enda Curran scoring twice in the first half and Kevin O'Connor scoring the third in the second.

Shels have doubts over Aidan Collins and and Chris Lyons while Dylan Kavanagh remains on the injured list. However, defender Derek Prendergast returns from suspension this week and may feature.

Longford are still without the services of talisman David O'Sulllivan and winger Don Cowan, while Cody Mulhall, Enda Curran and Mark Langtry all remain doubtful. A positive however as defender Noel Haverty made his return last week against Wexford, coming on as a sub in the last 10 minutes of the game.

A win over Shels would see Longford on 19 points, just 1 point behind 4^th placed Cabinteely (if they lose to UCD).

No doubt, the squad and caretaker boss Gary Cronin will be confident going in to Friday nights game after last weeks result. It's the last game before the 2 week holiday from the league and Longford Town Football Club will be hoping we can go into the break on a high, come back refreshed and get back up the table.

Town's caretaker manager, Gary Cronin takes charge of the seniors for the trip to Tolka.