Longford Town take on Cobh Ramblers at Bishopsgate on Saturday

Longford Town are back in action after last weekend’s mid-season break and there is no doubt that they will be anxious to get a win against Cobh Ramblers at Bishopsgate on Saturday, kick-off 7.30pm.

The Town’s last game before the summer break was at Bishopsgate when the team gave a great performance in front of a smaller than usual crowd as the Town played on the Friday night.

The Town had to play without Sultan Adenekan who was suspended and they were also short Aaron Doran, Aaron Walsh and Dean George who are currently on the injured list.

During the game Jamie Egan, who recently returned to the starting eleven, after a lengthy injury had to be replaced on the hour mark due to injury but the Town were very lucky to have Cole Omorehiomwan on the bench and he replaced Jamie.

The result in our last game (at home v Treaty) was a 3-1 win for the Town. The records will show that the Town’s goals came from Alex O’Brien, Dean Williams and sub Francis Campbell.

The opening goal came from the very impressive Alex O’Brien who capitalised on a bad mistake from former Town keeper Jack Brady as he raced out of goal chasing the ball and the ever alert Alex O’Brien scored from close to the halfway line to give the Town the opening goal after 7 minutes.

It was all Longford for long periods as they dominated a lot of the game and thoroughly deserved the win.

The Town’s win against Treaty keeps them in touch with the top half of the table and hopefully in the running for a top half finish and a place in the promotion play-offs.

The Town were on a very good run of form before the mid-season break and let’s hope that they can continue that run on Saturday night next.

In recent games the Town have picked up some very valuable points but we still lack an out and out goalscorer.

Last season local lad Emmanuel James was in good form when introduced into the team and we still haven’t come up with anyone to replace the young striker who scored many valuable goals when coming off the bench.

There have been recent rumours that the striker could possibly come back to the squad soon.

We played Cobh twice this season and it’s advantage Cobh at this stage who have won and drawn in the two previous meetings this season.

In the second fixture against the Co Cork club this season, the Town travelled to St Colman’s Park and came away with a creditable 0-0 draw in mid April.

The first meeting between the clubs was played at Bishopsgate the end of February and the visitors won 2-1.

The Ramblers team looked improved and by all accounts they are arranging more new signings during the July transfer window.

Cobh’s goalscorers at Bishopsgate were C Honohan and R Brennan and the Town goal came from Aaron Doran from the penalty spot.

Cobh have had some very impressive results to date in the league with their two results against runaway leaders Cork City being top class.

Cobh drew 1-1 against Cork City at St Colman’s Park and they shocked the runaway league leaders Cork at Turner’s Cross when they won 1-0 Manager Fran Rockett has assembled a very good Cobh team with lots of experience in the panel. Former Town player Dylan McGlade is in excellent form at the moment and he will need to be closely watched for the duration of the game.

The Town will be hoping to have some of their injured players back in contention for the team on Saturday night as we have a very youthful squad but all can play good football and with more experience they could keep our chase for a play-off spot alive.

Last season Cobh held the bragging rights over the four meetings between the clubs. Cobh won twice, drew once and lost once over the season. We hope that the week’s break will not be a disadvantage to the club going into the start of the second half of the season.

Before the break last weekend the Town were beginning to put a good run together and let’s hope that the fine form returns this weekend.

Away to Baldoyle United in the FAI Cup

The Town have been drawn away in the FAI Cup second round. They travel to Leinster Senior League side Baldoyle United and the game will take place on the week ending July 19th.

Baldoyle are ranked the lowest in this year’s FAI Cup competition. They are in the draw as their conquerors in the FAI Intermediate Cup last 32 were UCD’s Leinster Senior League team and they were not allowed into the competition in the second round.

Baldoyle got to this stage in the competition after beating another fourth tier side Leicester Celtic in the previous round. This draw is fairly kind for the Town club but we can’t take anything for granted against a lower rated side.

Support

The Town return to their regular Saturday night home game when they entertain Cobh Ramblers this weekend. In their last home game two weeks ago the Town had to play at home on the Friday night and the attendance was unfortunately much smaller than usual.

With the club fighting to get into the top half of the table we are looking for a big turn out for the visit of Cobh who are one of the in form teams in the First Division this year.

So come along on Saturday night to cheer on the Town in this exciting clash when the 3rd in the table side try to take away three vital points.

Welcome Adrian Carberry

The club are delighted to announce that Adrian Carberry has been appointed Academy Director for the Town for three years. Adrian has many years of experience in senior football in Ireland and no doubt he will be a major help to underage football in Longford and the surrounding counties. Welcome to Longford Adrian.

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Longford Town v Cobh Ramblers

At Bishopsgate: Saturday 13 June

Kick-off 7.30pm