Match Report - Longford v Sligo

Taken from http://myirishfootballblog.blogspot.com

Longford went in to this game after losing their first two games while Sligo had a win and a lose from their opening games. Injuries, a small squad and suspensions meant Longford had a make shift back line with Prunty out of position at centre back and Rutherford filling in at left back. Sligo were also depleted- missing Chris Turner, Raffael Cretaro and Gary Curran.

The first half saw Longford put a real fight up and they managed to create three good chances - but wasteful finishing meant they didn't get off the score sheet. Up front Freeman looked like the player he is capable of being and linked things up well on a number of occasions with the midfield. This was an an achievement in itself as Doyle and Deegan didn't look up too much and showed little interest in getting forward

Despite the departure of Sean OConnor Sligo still look a well organised side and in particular I like the way their front one can become two or three when they are in possession. They whole team play as a unit and it would seem as if everyone is well briefed on their role. Keith Foy started the game very badly - missing a few crucial tackles, being caught out of position and having an air shot and was replaced after 30minutes

Sligo came out a completely different team in the second half - they got on the ball, they ran at Longford, and they moved the ball around well. Man of the Match Sean Coleman ran at and beat two or three defenders only to be cynically brought to the ground a few yards outside the box. From the resulting free kick Sligo went one up as Kudozovic curled one in high over Kelly in the Longford goal. It was a well taken free kick but I feel some fault must lie with the keepers positioning

Longford had a wonderful chance to pull level midway through the half but Rovers keeper Brush made an astounding save from close range - spreading his body well and getting a strong hand to a very will hit volley. Longford tried hard for an equaliser and put the Sligo defence under a lot of pressure in the closing minutes but Sligo held firm to register their second win of the season

Longfords problems continue - its getting to the stage where its tough to see where goals and wins are going to come from. Deegan in midfield needs to improve beyond recognition - last season at Kilkenny bar one or two performances he failed to stand out. There are also concerns regarding his temperament and his discipline. Rutherford again put in a fine performance as did Sullivan and Freeman.

So Sligo go into this weekends home game versus UCD with 6 points from a possible 9 and considering the upheaval pre season the stand in management time can only be happy. UCD are certainly an easier proposition away from home and Sligo are certainly capable of picking up at least their first home point of the season and if a similar performance as versus Longford is forthcoming three points will be theirs

Longford face a long trip to Cork and with the Leesiders starting to click upfront through OFlynn, ODonovan and Behan one would have to fear for the midlanders. As well as knocking in goals a plenty Cork have been just as mean at the back as they were last season. Pats did manage to get three against them but in fairness two of those were super individual efforts that little could have been done about.

The Bookies have Cork as heavy favourites with 1.44 about the best on offer - that's with CentreBet - but if you liked you could probably find a nice -1 Asian Handicap at even money or just short of it

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