Longford Town in FAI Cup action against Baldoyle United at Bishopsgate

After consecutive wins over the First Division’s top two, it’s back to the FAI Cup which has given the Longford Town FC supporters many happy memories over the years.

We all remember those great days when we won two FAI Cups in the early 2000s and we also had the disappointment of two final defeats.

The Cup has a great habit of throwing up shock results and Leinster Senior League teams caused many shock results against League of Ireland sides, the most notable was Longford’s tremendous win against Sligo Rovers at the Greyhound Track against a fully professional outfit. Over the years the Town had some hard earned results against Leinster Senior and Connaught Senior League sides and Wayne Groves will be looking to win this game and progress to the 3rd round.

Baldoyle United were formed in 1969 and they have progressed well over the seasons and could be hard to beat at Bishopsgate on Saturday, kick-off 5pm.

The Dublin club beat Leicester United 2-0 to reach the second round with goals from Alex Mooney on 24 mins and Cian Lesson on 88 mins.

Their keeper Stephen Lyons is to thank for the clean sheet as he had a superb game for his club. The club colours are green and white hoops, like Shamrock Rovers.

The Town go into this week’s game in good form, having defeated both UCD and Cork City over the last two weekends.

Longford had UCD as visitors to Bishopsgate and came from behind to beat the students 2-1. The Town goals came from Dean Williams and Daragh Murtagh.

On Friday night last the Town travelled to Turners Cross to play runaway league leaders Cork City at home and no one gave us a chance of even a draw against the team who were 18 points ahead of second placed UCD.

In fairness the Town travelled in a good frame of mind against a team who had nine straight wins before playing the Town.

Longford travelled to Turner’s Cross in confident mood despite being so far behind the Premier Division bound Cork side.

Dean Williams kept up his good run of form scoring for the Town after 11 minutes when he scored from the spot. Pharrell Manuel scored no 2 for the Town in first half stoppage time.

Daragh Murtagh, like Williams, got his second goal in successive games when he scored a cracker when put through by Andy Paraschiv on 86 mins. The game looked like ending in a 3-3 draw but the Town were not finished and they scored an amazing winner when Andy Paraschiv put substitute Stefan Ugbesia through with an excellent through ball.

Stefan beat the advancing substitute keeper to give the Town a tremendous win.

Friday’s remarkable result was the Town’s first victory over Cork City in eleven years which must be very pleasing for Wayne Groves and his squad. The Town’s record against Cork was 3 draws and 14 defeats.

Cork City’s keeper Brann was beaten for the first time in two months when he conceded two in the first half. He was replaced at half-time and his replacement also conceded two more in the second half as the Town stood firm to pick up three valuable points and move into fourth place in the table.

When you move up the table and get into the play-off places your team will be there to be beaten by all the other teams who are chasing the top five positions.

Cole Omorehiomwan started the match, replacing injured captain Jamie Egan who had to be replaced at half time in the home game against UCD at Bishopsgate.

Once again Cole had an outstanding game in the centre of the Town defence who look a very sound combination and they seem to be getting more solid as the season progresses.

It would be unfair to pick stars in this team as everyone is playing their part in recent games but one has to mention Andy Paraschiv who set up the late two goals with some special passes.

Longford’s form in recent games in the league has been very encouraging and they now have to plan for a good run in the FAI Cup.

The Town will have to give the Baldoyle respect but then we have to win the game and look forward to getting through to the next round of the FAI Cup.

The Town management will not be taking this game for granted and with that in mind a victory is expected at Bishopsgate on Saturday.

Support

For this Saturday’s FAI Cup game we are looking for a big crowd at Bishopsgate. As always our supporters give us great support and we want to keep up the good local support at home.

We need to win this game and be ready for the home league game the following week when Wexford FC are the visitors to Bishopsgate.

Club Orange FAI Cup Second Round

Longford Town v Baldoyle United

At Bishopsgate: Saturday 18 July

Kick-off 5pm