v Shels

**Maz** · 17/03/2006, 8:00 AM

Many of ye travelling up for the game? I'd say it will be a pretty poor crowd.

Shelbourne vs Longford Town

Where: Tolka Park
When: 8.00pm, March 17, 2006

Match odds:
Shelbourne: 8/15
Draw: 13/5
Longford Town: 9/2

Referee:
P. Whelan (Dublin)

Top scorers:
Jason Byrne - 2 0

Team news:
Out - Alan Moore (groin). Doubt - Greg O’Halloran (foot), Dean Delaney (concussion). Defender Sean Dillon plays against the club he left in the winter. Striker Dave Mooney is still out but otherwise Longford manager Alan Mathews has a full squad to choose from for his side’s first game of the season - last week’s opener against Sligo Rovers was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Recent form:
Shelbourne
Mar 13, 2006: Linfield 2-0 Shelbourne
Mar 10, 2006: Bray Wanderers 2-2 Shelbourne
Feb 28, 2006: Derry City 0-0 Shelbourne

Longford Town
Nov 18, 2005: St Patricks Ath 1-3 Longford Town
Nov 12, 2005: Longford Town 1-0 UCD
Nov 4, 2005: Bohemians 1-0 Longford Town

previous meetings:
Oct 15, 2005: Longford Town 0-2 Shelbourne
Jun 27, 2005: Shelbourne 1-0 Longford Town
Apr 21, 2005: Longford Town 0-2 Shelbourne
Nov 6, 2004: Longford Town 4-1 Shelbourne
Nov 1, 2004: Shelbourne 3-1 Longford Town
Jun 11, 2004: Longford Town 0-2 Shelbourne

eleven-a-side.com verdict:
Difficult opener for Longford. Shels to win. 2-1

Eleven a side

**De Town** · 17/03/2006, 10:01 AM

I shall be in attendance.

**Gareth** · 17/03/2006, 11:06 AM

Lads,

live online commentary will be available from the shelbourne website and text updates.

As long as the broadband stays up. Its on and off lately!!! If its up we will have comprehensive match coverage.

**Maz** · 17/03/2006, 11:12 AM

Thats excellent Gareth but I dont plan on being online this evening....Im sure others will avail however

**Gareth** · 17/03/2006, 11:14 AM

I'm worried about the broadband failing but hopefully it wont. If it doesn't I'd love feedback on the whole thing. Cheers Maz, enjoy the game!!!

**Maz** · 17/03/2006, 11:15 AM

Oh well I'm not going, in work now for awhile. Enjoy it everyone else though

**Martinho II** · 17/03/2006, 2:44 PM

i will be in attendance tonite. I will be sellin the fanzine at the game so I will be seliin like mad to make up for last week.

ex town great stevie gavin bought one in the bookies earlier!

**Martinho II** · 17/03/2006, 3:17 PM

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.