League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Longford Town

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh come into this game in third place, four points behind leaders Waterford FC but with a game in hand. A win against the Midlands side would improve their position in the table, but it would be more a physiological advantage over the two teams above them, Waterford and UCD.

A win would send out a message that The Rams are not just an early season flash in the pan but that they are here for the long run. That is not a foregone conclusion though, as they are up against a tough Longford Town side.

Last time out in the league, the Cork men came from behind in Ferrycarrig Park to beat Wexford FC 1-2. A goal from James McSweeney and a Matthew Whelan strike ensured delirement among Cobh fans when travelling back from the South East.

On Easter Monday in the EA Sports Cup, Cobh faced Waterford in the RSC. Just like ten days previously they had come unstuck in the league, losing 2-1. This time, a 0-2 loss was incurred with goals from Dean O'Halloran and Derek Daly doing the damage.

Boss Stephen Henderson anticipates a tough game against Longford and is aware of how dangerous the opposition can be when on form but has issued a rallying cry for more fans to enter St Colman's Park on match days, so they can continue their solid home form.

Can they remain undefeated at home this season? We'll know the answer soon enough!

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town travel south to face a buoyant Cobh Ramblers still reeling from the last time the sides met when Longford were comprehensively beaten 3-1 on their own patch.

Three second half goals saw Cobh leave The City Calling Stadium with all three points and left Longford without a home win in the league, a run that stretched back to October 30th, 2015.

That dismal record was finally broken last week when, after 17 months, The Town beat Shelbourne by three goals to one. An Enda Curran brace and a second half Kevin O'Connor strike did the job after Shels had taken an early lead.

Then, a few days later, on Easter Monday, Longford faced Shelbourne again, this time in Tolka Park, and came back with a 0-2 win for their troubles to progress to the Quarter Finals where they will face Shamrock Rovers. Goals in each half from Gavin Boyne and Dylan McGlade ensured progression.

In fact, Alan Mathews' men come into this game unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions; scoring 9 and conceding just 4. 

Obviously, Mathews is well aware of his team’s good form but still anticipates a tough game down on the South Coast. It makes for a great game in store.

Referee: Marc Lynch

MATCH FACTS

The last time the two sides met in the league was in March, in Gameweek 2: Cobh won 3-1 at City Calling Stadium.

The last time the two sides met at St Colman’s Park was in July 2014, Longford won 3-0 in a First Division game.

Longford Town absentee David O'Sullivan is the clubs top scorer, with eight goals in all competitions.

Cobh are unbeaten at home this season, with three wins and two draws.

Longford have kept four clean sheets on their travels this season, in all competitions.

Cobh’s form in their last five games reads: LWLWW

Longford’s form coming into the game in is: WDWDL

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 6/4; Draw 23/10; Longford Town 13/8

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1-0 Longford Town

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: Unknown

Longford Town

Injured: Jake Kelly, Don Cowan, David O'Sullivan.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None