The Season so Far - Longford

17 March 2007
The Season so far - Longford Town

Those worried about Longford before the season started were right to be concerned. The preseason saw them lose a host of experienced players and then came the news that Stephen Paisley was wanting away also. The only good news was that Manager Matthews was not lured away to Shelbourne. But the bad news then continued when news broke that the club allegedly owe a substantial amount of money to a building company


Their first game of the season saw them go down 2-1 at home to Pats. The first goal they conceded was cruel. Longford were on the attack - the ball was crossed towards the penalty spot only for it to hit a St Pats players raised hand - what looked like a dead cert for a penalty was waived away by the referee. Pats broke quickly and within 10 seconds were 1 nil up. They doubled their lead a few minutes later when a tame shot from distance squirmed through the keepers body and trickled into the net


To their credit Longford then decided to have a real go at Pats - a sustained period of pressure brought them a well deserved goal but they continued to look suspect at the back - the left back in particular being caught out of position on a number of occasions - as well as frequently being 5 yards deeper than the other members of the back four. The only positive to take from the game was that the never say die attitude from last season was once again present even if an equaliser didnt come


Longford and about 25 fans made their way to Tolka Park last night to face Premier League new boys Shamrock Rovers. The rain and wind didnt make it a great night for football but all in all it was an entertaining game. It was bad defending again that cost Longford as Rovers went 1 up after 35 minutes - confusion in the centre of defense allowed Kelliher to slot it home from close distance.

In fairness up until the first goal went in it was an even enough affair - neither team were really dominating. Rovers went close again before the break but the score at half time was 1-0 to Rovers. It was two nil after 54 mins when Kelliher hit a rocket of a volley into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box. After that it was just a case of Rovers closing out the game and trying to hit Longford on the break


Indiscipline was to cost Longford two red cards late on as both Brennan and Mooney were dismissed. Their future absence through suspension will cost Longford further as the squad this year is smaller than last year and with Deegan and Baker injured for a few weeks Longford might be down to the bare bones for next weeks visit of Sligo to Flancare


So overall the signs are not good - two defeats from two games and Im sure Matthews would have been hoping for at least 3 points by now. My concern is whether or not Matthews will stick it out - against Pats he certainly looked frustrated and annoyed and last night he cut a lonely figure as he seen his side lose their discipline and fight in the last twenty minutes. I for one would not be surprised if he doesnt last til the end of the season.


The only real positives to take from the season so far are the form of Rutherford and OSullivan. Rutherford no more looks a thirty five year old and is fitter than most twenty five year olds in the league - he also has a presence on the field which is something that will be desperately needed this season. Right back OSullivan has looked as solid as possible considering the shakiness of the back four and looks like turning out to be an excellent signing.


Taken from http://myirishfootballblog.blogspot....ford-town.html