Mervue United Team News v Longford Town (First Division Play-off Game)

Friday 18th October 2013, Fahy’s Field (Kick-off 7.45 p.m.)

Mervue Utd host Longford Town in the opening leg of the Airtricity League First Division Promotion Play-off at Fahy’s Field on Friday evening, kick-off 7.45 p.m.

After last weekend’s exciting finish to First Division league series, Johnny Glynn’s side continued their strong end of season run with a sixth successive league win following a 4-1 away win over Wexford Youths. Two goals from the inform Gary Shanahan and strikes from Stephen Walsh and Tom King secured the club’s best ever finish as they overtook Waterford Utd for the final play-off position.

The club goes into the first leg of the play-off with Longford Town on the best run of form since joining the League of Ireland in 2009. Six straight wins, scoring eleven goals and conceding only once, last week against Wexford. 

In the four meetings between the two club’s this season, Mervue have won the last two  including a 1-0 win at Fahy’s Field just three weeks ago courtesy of Michael Duffy’s first half goal. Prior to that a 3-1 win was secured at the City Calling Stadium in July as two goals from Gary Shanahan and another from Stephen Walsh saw them come back from an early David O’Sullivan goal. Longford did win 2-1 at Fahy’s Field back in May, while the opening meeting of the season in April finished all square at 1-1 as David O’Sullivan and Jason Molloy exchanged goals.

Glynn will welcome back winger Jason Molloy as he missed last week’s win through suspension, but defender Martin Conneely is a doubt with a thigh strain and will face a late fitness test before the game.

Manager Glynn on Friday’s game “We had to do it the hard way to qualify for the play-off winning our last six games to get into this position, so we are in good form going into the game. We are looking forward to the game but we will have to continue that recent good form if we are to overcome Longford. They will provide a real tough challenge over the two games as they were favorites to win the division at the start of the season and will be firm favorites going into Friday’s game.”