League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Longford Town

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers welcome Longford Town to the Showgrounds this Saturday night in what is again another important tie for the Bit O'Red. With the managerial situation finally put to bed this week, fans and players alike can now concentrate fully on the football matters around the club.

Joey Ndo who is in charge of  first team affairs with Gavin Dykes spoke to the club’s website ahead of the game. “Every game is important so Longford is not a must-win,” said Ndo. “We just have to think about going out and performing and trying to get the win.

“I have been happy with the work they have done again this week. For the players it has been a big change when you have to change the whole training regime. Normally you would like to have a pre-season to do this. But the players have adapted very well. I am very pleased with how they have done and I believe in them.

“At some point that work will be rewarded. We have to perform to the best of our abilities and play as we train, that is what it is all about. It is about how we play ourselves. When we perform at our best we are a match for any team in this league.”

“I work with the players every day and I see what they are capable of. When we do start playing to our capabilities then people will see the start of something new. It will be a new start for the whole club - the players, the fans and the staff.

"We have had a period where there was problems but now that is sorted we can get back to business.”

Rovers come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw last weekend at The Showgrounds when Galway United visited. The home side will again be without the injured Jeff Henderson as he continues to recover from a foot injury that has sidelined him all season. Also out are John Russell, Stephen Folan and Ruairi Keating.

LONGFORD TOWN

After dispatching Bohemians last time out Longford manager Tony Cousins will be hoping his charges can capitalise on Rovers’ poor form and come away from the Showgrounds with all three points.

Cousins is still without the injured duo of Pat Flynn and Don Cowan but new signing Dean Kelly should make his debut after signing from Bohemians this week.

Ayman Ben Muhammad and Kaleem Simon are celebrating Ramadan so they are unlikely to play the full ninty minutes.

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH STATS

Sligo have won just the one home league game all season while Town have won three on their travels.

Longford solitary league victory in the Showgrounds was a 1-0 win back in 1989.

Last season the Bit O’Red won two of the league clashes between the teams – a 1-0 away win in March and a 2-1 home win in June. It was a 1-1 draw the last time the teams met which was in the City Calling Stadium in September

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 23/20; Draw 22/10; Longford Town 23/10.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Jeff Henderson, John Russell, Stephen Folan, Ruairi Keating.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: Pat Flynn, Don Cowan

Suspended: None.