Longford Town clash against Cobh at Bishopsgate in first home game of the new season

After last week’s impressive display in the 1-1 draw against Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds, Longford Town have their first home game of the season against Cobh Ramblers on Saturday night, kick-off 7.30pm.

 The Town go into this year’s league campaign with thirteen new faces in the 2026 squad and there is no doubt it will take some time for them to get used to their new surroundings and new teammates. 

The team that started against Bray had three new players in the first eleven. Core Omorehiomwan, who joined us from Athlone Town, came into the defence. He was partnered in the centre with 18 year old Conor Errity who previously played with Bohemians under 20s.

 The other new player is Andy Paraschiv who was in the Dundalk squad that won promotion last season. Another 18 year old he is a very good midfielder and with some game time he could be the find of the season. He played in most of Dundalk’s games in their promotion run and he showed some fine touches and he is expected to be a big influence over the season. 

The Town manager Wayne Groves brought in some exciting players last season and no doubt he will be hoping to have the same success this season when the new players settle in. 

To go to the Carlisle Grounds and come away with a draw is a very good result and we could have stolen the points in the end but saying that they had a few good chances also. 

We all remember the amazing finish to last season when we had five wins on the trot and let’s hope that we can extend that unbeaten run going forward. 

There is no doubt that Saturday night’s game will be a real tough one especially after their surprise 3-0 loss to Wexford on Friday last. 

Cobh, like ourselves, have some new players in their squad and they will have to bed in like our new players. Manager Fran Rockett will be livid over the result against Wexford especially being at home. 

Last season Cobh were a very well organised squad with some excellent players in their squad. We all know that if you get a bad start in a game it’s very hard to get back into the game and we all know that teams like Wexford if they get an opening.

Friday’s game in the Carlisle Grounds showed our team and management how we are progressing this year. Wayne Groves and his staff have the squad well prepared for the long season. 

The signing of big centre half Cole Omorehiomwan will give the team physical strength at the back. Also making his debut for Longford was Andy Paraschiv who had joined Dundalk from Leinster Senior League side Glebe North and he proves that there are many top class players in the Leinster Senior League. 

Wayne Groves made four substitutions during the second half. Fran Campbell replaced goal scorer Dean George in the 71st minute. Stefan Ugbesia replaced the very impressive Aaron Doran also in the 71st minute while Kyle Robinson replaced Daragh Murtagh with around 20 minutes remaining. The final substitution came on 79 mins when another new signing Kobichidi Ndebumadu replaced the prominent  Paraschiv for the final 10 minutes.

Subs not used were reserve keeper Edvinas Jakas, Luke O’Brien, Daniel McKenna, Taylor McCarthy and 20-year-old Jake Hough who joined the club from Bohemians.

Club captain Jamie Egan and Aaron Walsh, who are both experienced defenders were not used on Friday perhaps it was giving them a chance to get back to full fitness. 

One can’t see many changes in personnel in next Saturday’s squad when we hope to chase the top places in the table. 

Last season the Town and Cobh played each other four times in the league with the Cork side winning 2 games, drawing one and losing the other fixture.

The first meeting between the clubs was in Cobh in early March. On that occasion Cobh were easy winners on a five nil result.

 The next meeting was in July and it was played at Bishopsgate which ended 1-1. The next meeting between the clubs was in early August in Cobh and the home side won the game 3-1. 

The final meeting between the clubs was at Bishopsgate in early October. The Town won the game 3-1 Aaron Doran opened the scoring for the Town on 4 mins while Alex O’Brien added goal no 2 on 49 mins and Stefan Ugbesia added goal no 3 on 66 mins. Barry Coffey scored the Cobh goal after 9 mins.

Another win over Cobh on Saturday night will be a great result and a big crowd is expected at Bishopsgate. 

Support in Bray

A big thank you to our loyal supporters who made the journey to Bray on Friday night last and were in full voice for the full 90 minutes. The Town manager is delighted to have a good travelling support to most matches.

Come out on Saturday night next

On Saturday next we play the first home game of the season and we are urging supporters to come out and get behind the team as we chase the first victory of the 2026 season. 

Our supporters are always our twelfth man and we want extra support as we set our sights on a top 5 finish and a place in the play-offs after missing out by a few points last season. Your support could be vital at the end of this season. So come along and bring a friend or two. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Bring along your flags and drums and bring back that Section O sound.

Season Tickets

Did you get your season ticket for the 2026 season yet? If not, contact the club shop on Saturday night and find out details for the season. The club need your support for the coming season either through the turnstiles or buying a season ticket. Season tickets are a lovely present for a friend or a family member.

SSE Airtricity League

First Division

Longford Town v Cobh Ramblers

At Bishopsgate

Saturday 21 February

Kick off 7.30pm