League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Longford Town

CABINTEELY

Looking to win their third competitive game on the spin, Cabinteely host Longford Town at Stradbrook on Friday evening in a mouth-watering First Division clash at Stradbrook. (Kick-Off is at 7.45pm)

Cabinteely are looking to build on their last two positive results and performances with a strong display against Neale Fenn’s side.

Last week Cabinteely stunned First Division title favourites Shelbourne at Tolka Park with a 3-2 win over the Reds with Conor Keeley, Rob Manley and Kieran Marty Waters on target for Pat Devlin’s side.

Just a few days later, Cabinteely then ran out one goal winners over Drogheda United at United Park in the EA Sports Cup First Round with striker Luke Clucas scoring from the penalty spot late on. 

Cabinteely’s resurgence has left many wondering how far this side can go this year despite many predicting a lowly finish for the South Dubliners in pre-season.

Speaking with the club’s official media team ahead of Friday night’s encounter at Stradbrook, young Cabo midfielder Zack O’Neill noted that he is hoping to watch his side build on last week’s stunning success at Tolka Park, while also being wary of the challenge Longford pose. 

“We have bounced back from the Bray defeat. We put the heads down in training. That’s what it is all about. We’re just looking forward to the next couple of weeks. We just want to keep winning and hopefully push on.

“It’s a big game. Longford got a big result last week against Drogheda. Obviously, we have a young squad but the lads are enthusiastic.

“We showed great character to come back last week against Shels. We just need to keep the momentum going.”



In terms of team news for Cabinteely, it is likely that Cabo will have a fully fit squad to choose from against Longford Town.

 

 

LONGFORD TOWN

Hoping to secure their first away win since August, Longford Town are looking to build on last week’s home win over Drogheda as they face a difficult test away to Cabinteely at Stradbrook.



The last time Longford recorded three consecutive clean sheets was back in 2014 when they eventually romped home to the First Division title with eight points to spare in the end with no goals conceded against Waterford United, Shamrock Rovers B and Finn Harps.

On Longford’s last visit to Stradbrook they were edged out in a 1-0 defeat with recent Longford recruit Kevin Knight popping up with a 31st minute winner in June of last year.

Speaking after Longford’s recent league win over Drogheda United, Town striker Aaron Dobbs noted that he is expecting a difficult encounter against a buoyant Cabinteely who are just after seeing off Shelbourne last time out.

“It’s going to be a good game, it will be tough,” the former Wexford FC striker told Longford’s official media team.

“It will be physical, they’re a big side but I think we’re physical as well so I think if we match them on that and get the ball down and play, we can outplay them. I think we’ll get a positive result.”

In terms of team news for Longford Town, Carlton Ubaezuonu is the only player who is likely to miss out having struggled with injury for much of pre-season at City Calling Stadium.

Referee: Paula Brady.

 

MATCH STATS

As Longford Town manager, Neale Fenn has an impressive record against Cabinteely with four wins out of five against Pat Devlin’s charges, the last of which came in a 4-1 win over the South Dubliners in September.

This will be only the eighth time the two sides have met in a competitive setting with Longford holding the upper hand with four wins compared to Cabinteely’s two.

The last time Cabinteely won back to back league games was last July when Devlin’s youthful side brushed past the challenge of Athlone Town and Cobh Ramblers.

 

BETTING

Cabinteely 14/5; Draw 12/5; Longford Town 88/100.

 

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1-2 Longford Town

 

Cabinteely

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Longford Town

Injured: Carlton Ubaezuonu.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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