Supporters’ Club Notes (10/05/15)

NO REWARD

There was no reward for De Town despite a dogged display against champions Dundalk. The Lilywhites are now seven points clear at the top but were made to fight every inch of the way in front of about 1,400 at the City Calling Stadium.

The fact that the visitors had scored a lorry load of goals the previous week against Bray didn't frighten De Town as they matched their high flying opponents in almost every sector of the pitch. It was a most entertaining match despite the loss with the outcome in doubt until two minutes from the end when Mountney added to Horgan's 54th minute strike. Despite the wet underfoot conditions, De Town put some excellent passing passages together which deserved a better outcome.

Kevin O'Connor brought a terrific save from their keeper early on, while later Pat Flynn excellent effort was unfortunately cleared off the line. Dundalk appeared to be more physical and it was that physicality which did us a lot of damage as we seemed to continuously shoved off the ball. Ben Mohammed in particular got very little protection from the man with the whistle. Every time he got the ball, there were two or three Dundalk players closing in on his delicate skills. Despite the unwanted aggressive attention, he continues to improve with each game and his silken skills are thrilling the cynics in the stand. It was great to see Don Cowan coming off the bench after his bad injury.

Stephen Kenny was visibly agitated and nervous right throughout the game and I'm sure he wouldn't have begrudged us a share of the spoils which many thought we deserved.

SHAMROCK ROVERS AWAY

An other tough assignment faces us on Friday night when we head up the M4/M50 to face Shamrock Rovers on their home patch. Rumours are circulating that Damien Duff is set to join the Hoops but that's for another day. At one stage, Shamrock Rovers bred talent, now it looks like they'll bed them in their Tallaght retirement home. With so many former Hoops in our set up, we can't expect the red carpet treatment. But if we can reproduce our recent spirited displays, we're afraid of no team in this league.

BUS TO TALLAGHT

If you haven't already done so, then book your seat on the bus to Tallaght by contacting Kieran on 083 167 0304. Please do so as soon as possible as places are filling up fast. The bus will leaving opposite Lidl and Kieran will fill you in on the time.

CAR BOOT SALE

Thanks again to everyone who helped out at the May Bank Holiday Car Boot Sale. There was a welcome response to the call for volunteers to tidy up afterwards but there's still room for more. Our next event takes place on the June bank holiday Monday and with some volunteers already saying they can't be available this time, we still need some new faces to come and help out.

GREAT RECEPTIONS

It's heartening to see the great reception afforded to old friends when they return to Longford Town. On Saturday night last, Stephen Kenny received an excellent warm round of applause as he headed for his dug out and as usual, he acknowledged it. Then when Vinny Perth, Kenny's assistant appeared, there was a warm hugging session between himself and Donald Keogh. Anyone who says Irish men aren't the hugging types never saw Vinny and Donald in action. But the best reception of all, and rightly so, was for our own manager, Tony Cousins, the longest serving man in his position. And let's not forget that Tony is the one who, on a small budget, has guided us from the depths of the lower league to mid table in the top division. No mean feat.

CUP DRAW

The Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup draw has seen us draw Finn Harps in the second round. We play the Harps at home on Friday May 29th, with kick off at 8pm. As it looks now, Harps are heading to join us in the Premier Division as the continue to wipe away all opposition. Another tough Cup tie awaits us against our Donegal friends at the end of the month.

GOOD LUCK

Good Luck to the young shining and talented stars of Stonepark girls' team and their hard working mentors who play in the All Ireland final in the Aviva Stadium on Thursday. It's a dream that only comes true for the very few. Indeed, there are many on the De Town's senior team who'd dearly love the same opportunity. The girls received a terrific reception when introduced at half time during the Dundalk game which should help their nerves (what nerves!) in D' Aviva. They've trained and worked hard to get where they are and hopefully they'll be rewarded on Thursday. Whatever the outcome girls, De Town are fiercely proud of you.

LOTTO RESULTS

These results are from the previous week. There was no jackpot winner. Winners of the €100 were Kitty and Mary, Templemichael, Longford. €25 winner was Shaun Connolly, St Emer's,Longford and Mary O Donoghue, 14 Harbour Row also won €25. The winning numbers were 07-10-12-13.