League Preview: Longford Town -v- Bray Wanderers

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will be looking to close the gap on second placed Drogheda United when they welcome Bray Wanderers to City Calling Stadium this evening (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

Daire Doyle’s side had no scheduled game last week, after they were knocked out of the FAI Cup by Bohemians on penalties at Dalymount Park.

Their most recent outing was against Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park, where they secured their playoff spot thanks to a 2-0 win.

The visit of Bray offers Longford the chance to exact revenge on the Seagulls after their devastating 3-2 defeat away to bray in June.

Speaking ahead of the game to extratime.ie, Longford defender Michael McDonnell admits that De Town will be looking to prove a point this evening.   

“I felt we played well that night. We were a goal ahead that night heading into the last few minutes before we were beaten as we conceded from two set-pieces in the last couple of minutes.

“I thought in the home game we played quite well. Bray have been getting some good results recently as well, so they’ll be no pushovers, but we’ll be looking for the three points.

The fans have been great all season and all we can ask for is them to keep getting behind us. They’ve been great travelling all over the country and this is the business end of the season and this is where we’ll need them the most.

“Hopefully they can keep showing up in their numbers over the next few weeks and over the Playoffs to help us get over the line and promoted this year.”



Paul O’Conor is rated as doubtful ahead of the visit of his former employers, while both Sam Verdon and the dynamic Aodh Dervin are ruled out with suspension.

BRAY WANDERERS

With nothing more than pride to play for at this stage, Bray Wanderers make the trip to the midlands to face promotion hunting Longford Town.

The Seagulls hopes of reaching the playoffs were ended last night, with Cabinteely’s 3-1 over Athlone Town at Stradbrook. 

However, the trip offers Gary Cronin’s side a chance to exact revenge from their ‘worst performance of the season’ on their last trip to Longford.

“Last time we went down to Longford we had our worst performance of the season and that was disappointing.



“Our performance tonight was excellent, and if we bring that into the game against Longford, I’ll be happy with that.

“You have to bear in mind that both sets of players want to win and that will make it an entertaining game. We’ll train accordingly and hopefully we’ll have a full squad to choose from.”

Bray are expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from for this evening’s game.

Referee: David Dunne.

 

MATCH STATS

This will be the third meeting between the sides this season, with both Longford and Bray winning once each so far.

The last clash between the sides ended in very dramatic circumstances as the Seagulls secured a late victory thanks to two late goals from set-pieces. Hugh Douglas and Killian Cantwell both popped up with the goods late on for Gary Cronin’s side.

Longford Town have the best home record in the First Division this season – only falling to defeat twice against both Shelbourne and Cabinteely at the City Calling Stadium.

BETTING

Longford Town 10/11; Draw 12/5; Bray Wanderers 23/10.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 2 - 0 Bray Wanderers

 

Longford Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Paul O’Conor.

Suspended: Sam Verdon, Aodh Dervin.

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.