New-look Longford aiming to kick off season in style

LONGFORD Town should be raring to go when they get their eircom League season off to a belated start against Shelbourne in Tolka Park tonight (8pm).

Longford's first game at home to Sligo Rovers was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, the only upside of which is that Alan Mathews has an injury-free squad to choose from for tonight.

"Now we have an easy one to start with," quips the Longford manager.

"Playing Shels is always a big game and I know the lads are looking forward to it."

Mathews has also had the advantage of seeing tonight's opponents in action in the league and the Setanta Cup but isn't inclined to read too much into the fact that Shels have had a decidedly mixed start to their season.

"The only fear that I have is that they are capable of doing anything at any time with the players that Pat [Fenlon] has," he observes.

Former team-mates are likely to come up against each other tonight, with Sean Dillon having left Flancare Park for Tolka Park, while Kevin Doherty moved in the other direction.

With Barry Ferguson, Stephen O'Brien and Shane Barrett also having left Longford in the close season, there's a new look to Alan Mathews' side.

"There's no doubt about it, we're in a transition mode," he says.

"A lot of guys that have been with me since I've been at the club have all moved on to full-time careers, which is a good thing for them.

"But we've got lads in with hopefully the same desires and aspirations and we'll be hoping they push on for us over the next couple of years. You look at the likes of Kevin Doherty or Robert Martin or even David Mooney, who came in halfway through last year and who is still only 20 years of age."

Steve Williams returns in goal for Shels tonight, as Dean Delaney is still recovering from the concussion he incurred during the 2-0 loss to Linfield in the Setanta Cup.

Owen Heary and Ollie Cahill also miss out through suspension and Greg O'Halloran is extremely doubtful with a foot injury he picked up in the 2-2 draw with Bray Wanderers. However, better news for manager Pat Fenlon is that Alan Moore has recovered from a groin problem and is available to play.

In tonight's other game, UCD host St Patrick's Athletic at Belfield Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Students are looking to open their league account after losing 2-0 in Derry, while St Pat's especially on the day that's in it will be hoping to improve on the one point they gained in their opening scoreless draw with Waterford United.