Story of the Season
by Brendan Noone
We always fancy ourselves against Derry. Frequently close games, it would be on good authority that Derry consider Longford Town to be their dreaded bogey team. I am forever optimistic of Longford's resolution this season, and thus the 'bogey' continues. In an increasingly close league, where there are no comfort zones, save first place, it was imperative to continue our impressive first half of the season, with a result against Derry. The visitors, as ever brought a small but vibrant support which had the vocal presence of a surely a thousand men. Indeed if supporters won games with sheer vocal support, Derry would be champions.
Due to the lack of a contribution on Hospitalpass, I'll detail the Longford team's performance of recent.
Longford's form in the Premier Division has been quite impressive. Beaten three times, twice by the smallest of margins by the Champions elect, Bohemians, and the third defeat, a very off colour night against Shelbourne. Despite the turmoil at the start of the season, where Longford parted company with former manager Martin Lawlor, the management team of Alan Matthews and his assistant Aaron Callaghan have assembled a good strong squad who is taking advantage of other side’s hesitant campaign in this short season. With astro turf facilities almost ready for opening, a club bar on the way, additional revenue streams are emerging, and the future of Longford Town is bright.
BANG, as reviewed in last weeks Hospitalpass, Longford have suffered a nine point deduction for the alleged illegal fielding of Avery John. This severe deduction has resulted in Longford being placed second from bottom. The lads have reacted in the best possible way, three points in Drogheda and unfortunate not to secure three against Derry at home, when holding out for a one all draw last Saturday.
Stephen O'Brien has led from the back, this season has seen the return to true form of one of the original Lions. He is commanding his area well and is one of the bigger reasons why Longford is one of the better teams in the League this year. Despite the 'Brazilians' best effort, majestic auld Liam Coyle spoiled what should really have been another Longford victory. Hasn't won the player of the month yet but perhaps next month will be his.
Alan Murphy has come into his game gradually more and more. Ever since Shelbourne, Longford's worst result in the current campaign, he has reached a level of performance that Longford sorely missed. His distribution is some times questionable but on form 'Spud' is a nightmare, he combines well with Kirby and again this was a source of the goal against the men from the Randy Brandywell. A very effective man when involved offensively. And keeps his flank well under pressure.
Tom Silke and Barry Ferguson are flourishing. Not one person in Flancare would wish to lose the services of these two men. Never give an inch easily, we may have to accommodate the infamous Avery John elsewhere on the field. It was the common perception that either could make way for Avery, but these lads have done little wrong and as Stephen Kenny has noticed, it's not good to tinker with a good centre-half combination that works well, and is admired by the Flancare faithful. They kept the Derry frontline quiet and few chances fell the Candystripes way.
Cool, calm and collected. Sean Dillon is everything and more. The Clondalkin lad, who returned from Aston Villa last summer, completes an assured back four. He has adapted to life in the eL with relative ease and Flancare can only look with awe as this quiet unassuming lad has relegated club captain Wes Byrne to life with the U-21 side and a couple of first team chances. Player of the Month for September.
Strong at the Back and dangerous up front, Longford’s weakest area is in the middle of the park. Vinny Perth and Darragh Sheridan are strong in commitment and work rate. However, the Longford offensive play by-passes these middle men a high percentage of the time. Vinny's good form and athleticism has somehow deserted him since the seasons start. Darragh's work ethic could never be questioned and his stamina is good. But Longford is at the moment lacking a midfielder who gets the ball down and out wide or forward. Inevitable suspension will force Alan and Aaron's hand in the near future and Avery John may see a first team chance appear in the middle. That said, it is no accident our form is quite good and the defensive capabilities of either player has contributed significantly to this.
New signing, Seamus Crowe currently occupies the left flank. He has relegated Ballinalee boy Sean Prunty to the bench. In my opinion, there is little to choose between either and it appears to be a case of rewarding the former Wolves man on past performances rather than punishing Prunty. What one possesses the other lacks and vice versa. Either has a positive contribution to this team and I certainly hope that this little competition for the left flank produces the best either can offer. Crowe has endured some fairly quite games against Drogheda and Derry, although he remained on the field against Derry, Sean's return to first team action may come soon.
Former Waterford United player, Alan Kirby is in his second season with the club. He's inconsistent to say the least, but when you need the guy, he'll be there! Against Derry he laid off to Alan Murphy, who played Lavine who squared the ball back for Kirby and Goal... Kirby the Hero, he often pops up for a winner, and given Derry's few chances we felt that maybe just it. Alas Kirby the villain, Derry free kick, Longford pull the offside trick, leaving six Candystripes and Alan Kirby between Digger and everyone else... Magician Coyle and Derry equalised... Once bitten twice shy, and Kirby was bitten hard...
Finally, up-front, Lavine leading the line, This guy has not looked fitter, he works hard and he's ours for the next three years... Despite a little interest, Lavine earned and signed a three year contract... And we rejoiced... He doesn't miss many but he can feel a little ****ed when a hard night chasing and generally working his socks off results in a glaring defensive mistake to gift soft goals... It happened against U.C.D and again against Derry. He is however without perfection, he had two good chances, Lavine would normally put away but he was not to add to an impressive early season total of 7 league goals.
Lavine's partner up front is up in the air at the moment, Both Brian Byrne and Paddy Mulvihill have played up there with the 'King'. Byrne has played against Drogheda and Derry in the forward role, both times he has moved to either flank to allow Mulvihill his substitution. Mulvihill is effective in the air but it's my opinion Byrne can't be left on the bench... His control and awareness is second to none on the Longford team... I feel in the coming games he will play to his teams mates strength more and will become an integral part of this Longford team.
This Longford team with its present staff have some way to come to achieve the optimal balance. I believe that, in the coming games, it will be achieved and we will work to achieve safety with the nine point deduction, or even a European place given a successful appeal.
