Longford Town meet the might of Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup clash

 When the draw for the third round of this year’s FAI Cup was made, Longford Town were pitted in one of the most difficult games possible when Shamrock Rovers got a home fixture.

At the time of writing Shamrock Rovers are on top of the Premier Division on 53 points which is 10 points better than Bohemians in second and eleven points ahead of Derry City and surprise packets Drogheda United.  

Shamrock Rovers are the most successful club in the League of Ireland and have the capacity to keep winning due to a massive support and a fine stadium which the Dublin County Council provides for them. Their honours record to date is 21 Premier Division titles, 25 FAI Cups, 2 League Cups and 1 First Division title.

At this stage one can assume that Rovers will add another Premier Division title to that long list this season unless there is a massive collapse and that will not happen such is the strength of their current squad. It has been said that they could field two teams capable of winning the league. 

Stephen Bradley is one of the shrewdest managers in the league and he has the financial clout to win a league in a canter. 

Rovers played in Europe last week and lost 1-0 away and they have the second round match in Tallaght on Thursday night. 

On Sunday Rovers played Galway United away and came away with a scoreless draw but the closest teams to them Shelbourne and Bohemians played a 2-2 draw. Rovers play Ballkani from Kosovo on Thursday and they will be hoping to turn around the 1-0 loss that they suffered in the first leg. 

The Cup game goes ahead on Sunday evening at Tallaght (kick-off 7pm) and more than likely manager Bradley will use many of his big panel of players. Looking at the Rovers squad from the Galway game one can see an array of talent and everyone is fighting for his place in the starting eleven going forward. Former Sligo Rovers keeper Ed McGinty has taken the no 1 goalkeeper jersey and he has been outstanding this season. 

Rovers have a back three of Dan Cleary, Roberto Lopes (“Pico”) and Lee Grace. The five in the middle are Matthews, Nugent, Healy, Malley and O’Sullivan. Up front against Galway were Michael Noonan and Aaron Greene. 

Manager Bradley brought on five subs - Gaffney, Honohan, Mandroiu, Watts and McGovern. Subs not used were Gary O’Neill, Danny Grant, Cian Barrett and Lee Steacy who will be remembered fondly from his time in Longford. The reserve keeper will more than likely start on Sunday next.

 Two players who were missing from the squad are Graham Burke and Jack Byrne and they are among the best players in the league.

Shamrock Rovers have scored 46 goals this season in 27 games and they have the best defensive record in the Premier Division with only 23 goals conceded.

 The Town go into Sunday’s game in good form after last Saturday night’s victory over play-off contenders  Treaty United who are in fifth place in the First Division. 

Tommy Barrett’s team beat the Town 5-1 when the sides met some time ago in the Market’s Field while Longford beat Treaty at Bishopsgate earlier in the  season. 

The Town made four changes in the starting line-up from that which started the game in Oriel Park the previous Monday.

Daragh Murtagh, Aaron Doran and Stefan Ugbesia all came back into the first eleven and two of them scored. Doran from the penalty spot and Murtagh, who scored a spectacular second goal, gave the lads a well deserved win against Treaty who are in the last play-off position.

The win puts the Town on 28 points the same as Finn Harps who have a better goal difference. 

Supporters were thrilled about Daragh Murtagh’s spectacular goal.

 The Cup game against Shamrock Rovers on Sunday evening will be a big test for this young Town team who are starting to pick up vital points which hopefully will see the lads moving further up the First Division table in the remaining nine league games.

Support

Thanks to the vocal supporters who kept the team going on Saturday night last as we picked up the three points. After the trip to Tallaght on Sunday, the team are away the following Friday when the lads have a really long trip to Kerry.

Bus to Tallaght

Bryan Mullooly will be running a bus to the Cup game in Tallaght next Sunday and there are still some seats available. Supporters interested in travelling can contact Bryan on 087 3810042. Your support at this important Cup game will be greatly appreciated.