Longford Town take on league leaders Cork City at Bishopsgate on Saturday

They don’t come any bigger than the visit of the odds on First Division title favourites Cork City who come to Bishopsgate this Saturday night to play a fast improving Longford Town, kick-off 7.30pm.

A month ago Cork City were running away with the league but a bad run in recent weeks meant that they went into their top of the table game at home against UCD in second place on goal difference. In fairness to them they came out and gave UCD a footballing lesson in a 3-1 victory, a result that put them back on top of the table.

The star of the victory on Friday last was Hans Mpongo who helped himself to a hat-trick in the clash of the top two. 

Mpongo is a very exciting prospect who needs to be watched closely for a full ninety minutes as he can score from a half chance. 

It’s hard to believe that Cork would lose two games in succession but it happened in the two weeks previous to the top of the table win. 

Three weeks ago Cork travelled to Kerry and lost 1-0. Niall Brookwell scored the only goal of the game in the 16th minute and after they went behind, Cork were unable to break down the stubborn Kerry defence. 

Two weeks ago Cork were at home in a local derby against Cobh Ramblers. Cork also lost this game and the result was decided in the 76th minute when a penalty by former Town player Dylan McGlade clinched the three points for Cobh in another surprise result. 

We all know and appreciate the fact that Cork City are a Premier Division team playing in the First Division and they are odds on favourites to go back up but Kerry and Cobh have shown in recent weeks that they are beatable. 

When you look at their squad you can see lots of experience plus they have some very exciting players in their squad.

We have to mention Seani Maguire who has played at the highest level and he is a player that would walk into any team in Ireland and could still be playing top football cross channel. 

Greg Bolger has lots of experience playing in the Premier Division for many years and he may be in the twilight of his career but he knows how to win games and his promptings from midfield make him a very valuable player for his club. 

Charlie Lyons missed the UCD game through suspension and he, like Maguire and Bolger, has lots of experience. 

Conor Brann is a top class keeper and their goals against tally of 11 shows his form and he is a big bonus for the club. 

The arrival of Hans Mpongo to Cork in pre-season was a big boost for manager Robson. Last week Hans was in magical form against UCD in a game in which he helped himself to a hat-trick. 

The Town travelled to Wexford on Friday night last and came away with three valuable points from a 2-1 victory over the team in third position in the table.

Unless Cork have a complete collapse in form they should be good enough to end the season on top of the table. 

We will be hoping to pick up enough points to finish in the top 5 and a place in the promotion play-offs. 

Recent performances from our very youthful squad have been very encouraging. 

Aaron Doran once again showed that he can score against any opposition in the First division. His two goals against Wexford on Friday were top class finishes and one wonders if he didn’t miss some games earlier this season, he could be the leading scorer in the division at this stage.

 Daragh Murtagh missed the game due to suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards and he is out for the Cork game also. 

We all know about the poor standards of refereeing in the League of Ireland and we all suffer from some outrageous decisions which are happening at an awful rate. 

Players and clubs are being punished regularly by poor officialdom and clubs could miss out on vital games due to the bad performances of officials on a constant basis.

 It was good to see defender Jamie Egan on the bench again in Wexford and let’s hope he will soon be back to full fitness.

Aaron Walsh, who came on as a late sub in the Athlone game, wasn’t in the panel on Friday, and hopefully he is ready to resume playing after his lengthy absence from the panel. 

Dean George is another player who is sorely missed as he has lots of experience and causes many problems for opposing teams. Injuries are a big problem for clubs with small panels of players but thankfully we have replacement players to come in and fill the void when players are out. 

Support

We are playing the top team in the division at home on Saturday night next and we appeal for supporters to come out in big numbers for this very important game. 

Our loyal fans are a very special part of the club and seeing them over in Section O in all kinds of weather shows that their commitment to the club isn’t wavering. It’s great to see old and young fans at all our games and will try and bring along a friend or friends for this vital game against Cork City. 

 At the recent game a minute's silence was observed for the late Philip Gray from Abbeycartron who passed away recently and his funeral took place on Monday in the Cathedral. Philip was a true Town supporter who attended most of the Town home games for many years with his friends. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. RIP. 

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Longford Town v Cork City

at Bishopsgate

Saturday May 16

Kick off 7.30pm