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On Friday Shelbourne must concentrate on their first home league game of the season against Longford Town, and put some off field issues to one-side. It is the first game of the season for Longford after their game against Sligo last week was called off shortly before kick-off last Saturday.
Shelbourne vs Longford Town
(Tolka Park - 8:00 pm - Premier)
Referee : Pat Whelan
Shels have a crucial SSC game on Monday night against Linfield and will be hoping not to get dragged into a battle against Longford on Friday night. Shels won all three meetings with the Midlanders in 2005, not conceding a goal in the process. However, in November 2004 Longford put four goals past Shels in a 4-1 win. Shelbourne's Owen Heary was suspended for that game and he will miss the meeting on Saint Patrick's Day too.
Heary and Ollie Cahill, currently Shels' first choice full backs, are both suspended. The Dublin club are coming off the back of a loss to Linfield during the week. Steve Williams will replace Dean Delaney in goal.
Barring any late knocks Longford should have a near full strength side to call from although Dave Mooney is an injury doubt.
League form for Shelbourne : D
League form for Longford Town :
Previous meeting(s) : Longford Town 0-2 Shelbourne (15/10/2005)
Shelbourne 1-0 Longford Town (27/06/2005)
Longford Town 0-2 Shelbourne (21/04/2005)
Longford Town 4-1 Shelbourne (06/11/2004)
Shelbourne 3-1 Longford Town (01/11/2004)
IrishFootballOnline.com Prediction: Home win.