Cup holders Longford put the party on hold for Shelbourne game

LONGFORD TOWN as the new FAI Carlsberg Cup holders will hope to put on a performance to match the party mood when they take on Premier Division leaders Shelbourne tomorrow (Kick off 7.30pm) in their first appearance at Flancare Park since that historic 2-0 Cup final victory over St Patrick’s Athletic at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

Elsewhere there is all to play for in the big relegation battle between Drogheda United and Derry City at O2 Park (Kick off 8pm) while St Pat's will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they host Waterford United at Richmond Park (Kick off 7pm).

"There will be no special fanfares or parading the Cup that can wait for another day. The main objective is to secure three points against a Shelbourne side who have beaten us in three previous league meetings this season," said boss Alan Matthews.

Shelbourne will be without midfielder Stuart Byrne who serves out a one match ban, with Thomas Morgan the likely replacement. Fellow midfielder Jim Gannon is still not fit to return after a recent ankle operation.

Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin will be hoping to build on last Friday's 2-0 victory over Waterford United and Tuesday's 3-3 draw with St Pat's for the relegation show-down with Derry City at O2 Park.

"Four points from our last two games away from home is very encouraging. They are all important games, but there is still an awful lot of football to be played," said Doolin.

Former Irish international Pat Scully returns after a one match ban while central defenders Danny O'Connor and Aidan Lynch will have late fitness tests on ankle injuries.

Second from bottom Derry are currently two points behind Drogheda although the Candystripes do have a match in hand. Manager Gavin Dykes must plan without midfielder Peter Hutton, out for a one-match ban.

Midfielder Eamon Doherty could be back if he recovers from a calf injury while Dykes is hoping defender Billy Clery has recovered from a bout of 'flu. But definitely out again with a calf injury is striker Liam Doyle.

St Pat's may have to introduce a number of youngsters for the visit of Waterford United.

Into that category comes winger Gerard Quinn, striker Aidan O'Keefe and 17-year-old Brazilian defender Paulo Nicomedes.

Skipper Paul Osam had to limp out of Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Drogheda United with a hamstring injury and, like central defender Colm Foley (calf strain), is seen as 'doubtful' by manager Eamonn Collins.

Defender Clive Delaney is hoping to pass a late fitness test on an ankle injury but midfielder Davy Byrne (knee) and French defender Kharim El Khebyr ('flu) are almost certain absentees.

Waterford boss Jimmy McGeough must plan without goalkeeper Dan Connor and defender John Frost. Connor starts a two match ban and is replaced by Pat Holden.

Frost serves a one match ban.