Longford Town -v- Limerick

LONGFORD TOWN
First Division leaders Longford Town will look to put last weekend’s shock FAI Cup exit to Leinster Senior League side Cherry Orchard behind them when they take on Limerick in a top of the table clash in Flancare Park on Saturday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Town put in a rather poor display against Orchard and know they can’t afford a repeat performance against their nearest rivals.

Although the Town defeated Limerick 2-1 earlier this season in Jackman Park, it’s the Shannonsiders who hold the upper hand in games in Flancare Park; winning four and drawing one of their six meetings since 2007.

Speaking to extratime.ie Town’s Thomas Crawley emphasised the importance of this game.

“It’s a very important game. If we beat them again we’re seven points ahead. We have to pick ourselves up for this one and hopefully go on and beat Limerick on Saturday.”
 

Town welcome back Karl Bermingham from suspension for this game but have a few injury worries to contend with. Austin Skelly is definitely out after sustaining an injury in the cup defeat last Sunday. There will be late fitness tests on Noel Haverty, Alan Kirby and Gary Shaw.

 

LIMERICK
Pat Scully’s charges will be looking to avenge the Town’s 2-1 win in April and in doing so close the gap at the top to just one point.

Town were full value for their victory in Jackman Park but speaking to local media Scully said his players didn’t perform that night.

“We didn’t participate in the last game we played at home against Longford earlier in the season. We were lethargic and nervous in that match. We respect Longford, but we do not fear them. I believe if we play at the right tempo and with the proper desire we are capable of getting a favourable result up there on Saturday evening. But on Saturday we have to go out and play a strong game.”
 

Limerick are missing a number of players for the trip to the Midlands. Paudie Quinn and Shaun Kelly are suspended. Cian Collins, Gary Sheahan and Dominic Foley are out injured while Derek O’Brien is rated 50/50. Midfielder Joe Gamble is unavailable. They do welcome back Denis Behan from suspension.

 

Referee: Phil Caschera

 

MATCH STATS
In the six meetings between these two sides in Flancare Park since the Town were relegated in ’07. Limerick have won four and drawn one.

The Town’s only victory in those meetings came in 2010 when they won 1-0.

Referee Phil Caschera who takes charge of this game was the man in the middle that evening and sent-off two Limerick players for fighting with each other.

 

BETTING
Longford Town 8/5; Draw 21/10; Limerick 8/5.

PREDICTION
It’s a tough one to call but I’m going for a 1-1 draw; though it could go either way.


Longford Town Injury News: Austin Skelly
Longford Town suspended: None.

Limerick Injury News: Cian Collins, Gary Sheahan, Dominic Foley.
Limerick Suspended: Paudie Quinn and Shaun Kelly