Leinster Senior Cup Preview: Longford Town -v- Shelbourne

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will look to bounce back from Friday’s league defeat to Finn Harps by securing a Leinster Senior Cup semi-final at home to Shelbourne (kick-off 7.45pm).

Neale Fenn’s side went into the game knowing a win could potentially move them level with Shelbourne in third position, but they were well beaten in Ballybofey.

Nathan Boyle gave Harps the lead on the stroke of half time before a penalty from Mikey Place and a tap-in from Tunmise Sobowale sealed the win.

While their league form has been patchy, Longford cruised through their Leinster Senior Cup fourth round tie with UCD thanks to a Jackson Ryan double.

With the league still the priority, Ryan is one of a number of fringe players who may return for the cup tie.

Alan Kehoe, Peter Hopkins, CIan Byrne and Dean Byrne are set to miss out again with injury, but Sam Verdon returns from a one-match suspension.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne travel to the midlands looking to keep their defence of the Leinster Senior Cup on course.

Like Longford, Shelbourne slipped down the table following their home defeat to promotion rivals Drogheda United on Friday night.

Sean Brennan’s free kick a minute from the end of normal time sunk Owen Heary’s side, who slipped to a first home defeat of the season.

The Reds reached this point by way of a 1-0 away win over Athlone Town in April, with Shane Farrell scoring the all-important goal a minute from time.

Arran Molloy, Lorcan Fitzgerald and Gavin Boyne will all miss out again with injury, but striker Greg Moorhouse could be fit to play after making the bench on Friday.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

Longford and Shelbourne have met twice so far in the league this season, with the Reds having the slight upper hand.

The first game, at Tolka Park in March, saw David O’Sullivan return to haunt his former club with a hat-trick to earn Shels a 3-2 win. Sam Verdon scored twice for Longford.

The second game, in City Calling Stadium in May, saw O’Sullivan’s opener cancelled out by ex-Shels man Dylan McGlade as the match finished 1-1.

BETTING

Longford Town 21/10; Draw 23/10; Shelbourne evens.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1 – 2 Shelbourne

Longford Town

Injured: Alan Kehoe, Peter Hopkins, CIan Byrne, Dean Byrne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Gavin Boyne, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Arran Molloy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.