SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW: LONGFORD TOWN V SHAMROCK ROVERS
By Daire Walsh
Runaway leaders Shamrock Rovers will have a golden opportunity to move 16 points clear at the summit of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division when they face Longford Town at Bishopsgate on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.30pm).
Following last Monday’s 1-1 draw with arch rivals Bohemians, Stephen Bradley’s Hoops only need to accrue six points from their remaining five games to ensure the top-flight title resides in Tallaght for a second consecutive season. With their main rivals St Patrick’s Athletic not back in league action until Monday, the holders can edge a step closer to retaining their crown by getting the better of Daire Doyle’s Midlanders.
The gap between the two teams couldn’t be more stark with a defeat away to Drogheda United last Friday confirming the relegation of Longford back down to the First Division – despite them still having six games left to play. All of 52 points separate them from Rovers in the league standings, though this disparity hasn’t been reflected in their head-to-head encounters this year.
While Rovers have claimed maximum points in their three games to date against Longford, they have required stoppage-time winners on each occasion. Having initially fallen behind to a Dylan Grimes penalty in Tallaght on April 17, the hosts ultimately claimed the spoils with a Sean Gannon goal in the 93rd-minute.
They left it even later during their subsequent showdowns with ‘De Town’ on May 29 and August 8 as Rory Gaffney and the now-departed Liam Scales, respectively, found the net in the 95th minute to seal 1-0 wins.
The Hoops have consistently found a way to get over the line during the current campaign, which has elevated them to their present position of strength. Should they do so again this weekend, then a 19th league crown will be almost within their grasp.