FAI Cup Semi-Final Preview: Dundalk -v- Longford Town - extratime.com (original) (raw)

DUNDALK

Stephen Kenny’s men face Longford Town on Friday at 7.25pm in Oriel Park as the Tallaght native aims to lead Dundalk to the Daily Mail FAI Cup Final for the first time since the Lilywhites last won the trophy in 2002.

Following comprehensive victories over Shelbourne, Galway United and Sligo Rovers, the Lilywhites boast an aggregate scoring record of 13 goals scored and 1 conceded in the competition this year so far. The Louth men have been in two semi finals in the past three years and will be hoping that this will be third time lucky- following defeats to St Patrick’s Athletic in 2012 and Drogheda United in 2013.

Stephen Kenny played a strong team in last month’s win over Sligo Rovers and will be expected to field a similar side to the one which easily saw off the challenge of the Bit O’ Red. However, inspirational defender Brian Gartland missed last weekend’s league encounter in Limerick and must be considered a doubt for this cup clash, while striker Ciarán Kilduff’s introduction had a major influence on Dundalk taking three points in the Markets Field and he should be in the mix for a starting place up front.

Speaking to ExtraTime.ie recently, captain Andy Boyle claimed, “Playing at the Aviva would be a massive thing for us all as a group of players” while he conceded that Longford would provide “a difficult test” in an interview on his club’s website.

This view was shared by his current manager and ex Longford Town supremo, Stephen Kenny as – when speaking to the same source- he stated “All games with Longford have been tight affairs, we know that there’s a lot of experience in their team.”

LONGFORD TOWN

As referred to in Kenny’s interview, Tony Cousins brings a team to Oriel Park which is comprised of many players who have experienced success in the competition- players such a Conor Powell and Mark Rossiter have won the FAI Cup in 2008 with Bohemians (Powell also won in 2011 with Sligo Rovers), while Pat Sullivan won the trophy with Drogheda in 2005.

The midlands club won the trophy themselves in 2003 and 2004, while also reaching the final of the competition during the three year reign of Stephen Kenny from 1998 until 2001. This season, Longford Town have reached the semi final stage by defeating Finn Harps of the First Division- following a replay and non-league sides Cockhill Celtic and Sheriff YC.

Their aggregate score is six goals scored and two goals conceded in four games of the competition so far. With regards to the team news for Longford- influential midfielder Kevin O’Connor is suspended while Jack Doherty and Dean Kelly are cup tied.

Pat Flynn and Don Cowan will also miss the match through injury while Aymen Ben Mohamed is doubtful as he is suffering with a foot injury. However, despite these absentees Longford will not be fearing the league leaders as, despite their own indifferent league form, they have proved difficult opponents this season for the Carrick Road natives with a fantastic Gary Rogers save denying them a point at Oriel Park on the opening day of the season and a superb defensive performance in August preventing the Lilywhites from scoring in the league for the only time this season.

The match is live on RTÉ 2 with a kick off time of 7.25pm

Referee: Paul Mc Laughlin

MATCH FACTS

Current Longford Town players Stephen Rice and Mark Rossiter have been managed by Dundalk FC manager Stephen Kenny, at Bohemians and Dundalk respectively.

Pat Sullivan and Gary Rogers won the FAI Cup as Drogheda United team mates in 2005 yet neither played in the final.

Longford Town manager Tony Cousins began his League of Ireland career at Dundalk before signing for Liverpool in 1990. At Oriel Park he won the PFAI Young Player of the Year in 1989/90- shared with Vinny Arkins. Daryl Horgan is the current holder of the award while Richie Towell won it in 2013.

Stephen Kenny won the FAI Cup in 2006 in his last act as Derry City manager. The same season was Tony Cousins’ first in Irish senior management and today he is the longest serving manager at a League of Ireland team following his appointment at the City Calling Stadium in 2009.

ROAD TO THE SEMI FINAL

Round of 32

Dundalk 5 Shelbourne 0 (Robinson OG, Kelly, Byrne, Towell, Finn)

Longford Town 1 Finn Harps 1 (Rice)

Replay- Longford won 4-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw

Round of 16

Galway United 1 Dundalk 4 (Gartland, Barrett, Gannon, Towell)

Cockhill Celtic 0 Longford Town 2 (Bradley OG, Shannon)

Quarter Final

Dundalk 4 Sligo Rovers 0 (Horgan, Kilduff, Finn, Maguire)

Longford Town 3 Sheriff YC 1 (O’Sullivan, Ben Mohamed, Shannon)

BETTING

Dundalk 1/6; Draw 6/1; Longford Town 14/1

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2 – 0 Longford Town

Dundalk

Injuries: None

Doubtful: Brian Gartland (thigh)

Suspensions: None

Longford Town

Injuries: Pat Flynn, Don Cowan

Cup Tied: Dean Kelly, Jack Doherty

Doubful: Aymen Ben Mohamed (foot)

Suspensions: Kevin O’Connor