Longford Town take on Bohemians in the FAI Cup

Longford Town FC get away from the League next Sunday when they play Bohemians, who sit third in the Premier Division, in the last 16 of the Club Orange FAI Cup at Dalymount Park, kick-off 7pm.

This will be a great test for this young Town team who are doing very well in the First Division despite last Friday night’s loss to near neighbours Athlone at Lissywollen.

Bohemians also suffered defeat at the weekend when they lost 3-1 to fast improving Waterford who are beginning to pick up vital points as they strive to get away from the bottom of the table.

Despite being beaten by Waterford on Sunday Bohemians are in third place just three points behind St Patrick’s Athletic in second place.

Town supporters will know some players in the Bohemians squad and of course their manager Alan Reynolds.

Rennie, as he was known to the Town supporters, was very popular during his time here and he has taken to management very well.

Bohemians got through to the 3rd round of the FAI Cup without having to play as their opponents Ringmahon Rangers were dumped out of the competition in a questionable situation.

The Town, on the other hand, had a landslide 8-0 victory over Leinster Senior League side Baldoyle United.

Longford were in control for most of the game and ran out very easy winners in a real rout. Admittedly Baldoyle were not great but no matter the opposition, teams have to go out and win.

We are basically going into the unknown when we lock horns with a very strong Premier Division side.

Alan Reynolds has assembled a very strong squad of players and they will be a very tough nut to crack.

The game against Bohemians will tell the Town management how this young squad are progressing.

The news of Osaze Irhue’s injury is a bad knock and the fact that the injury is really long term but thankfully there is good cover for the defender. After two very good results against Treaty United away and Finn Harps at home, the result against Athlone Town last Friday night was a bit of a damper because we should have got something out of the game.

Athlone were undoubtedly fired up and raced into a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately the Town were awarded a penalty and the Athlone keeper saved the spot kick but there were queries as to where the Athlone keeper was standing for the resultant penalty.

We got a goal back late in the game but unfortunately we couldn’t get the equaliser which was rather annoying after two good results previously.

The Cup will give the team a chance to recharge their batteries and prepare for the big game against Bohemians who are in action in the Europe Conference League against Midtjylland in Denmark this Thursday night

Bohs lost the first leg 2-0 at Dalymount Park and now face a real uphill battle to make it through to the next round of games in Europe.

After Sunday’s game against Waterford and the trip to Denmark, let's hope that Bohemians are a bit tired after two testing matches.

Bohemians have a very strong panel of players and they should be basically able to pick two different teams.

The Bohemians team includes a familiar name in their starting eleven and he was with us on loan a few seasons ago.

Cian Byrne plays in the back three and is one of the stand out players in this Bohemians team. Midfielder Niall Morahan hails from County Leitrim and he is another fine young prospect coming through in the League this year.

There are many good players in this Bohs squad. Patrick Hickey, who previously played with Galway United, is a very good player and Sam Todd make up the back 3.

The Bohemians midfield is full of experience and skill. The midfield five against Waterford included Dayle Rooney, Harry Vaughan, Jordon Flores, Niall Morahan and Darragh Power.

Bohemians play two up front and Colm Whelan and Douglas James-Taylor were in the starting eleven.

The Bohs bench includes many experienced players. The likes of Ross Tierney, Sadou Diallo, Senan Mullen, Connor Parsons and Markuss Strods are great players to have in reserve.

This Bohemians team has many stars and it will take a massive performance from the Town squad if they are to progress to the next round and no doubt will be underdogs in this game.