Longford face Athlone - again

It is Longford Town’s turn to make the short trip along the N55 tonight as they meet Athlone Town for the second time in 48 hours in a bid to reach the FAI Cup semi-finals (7.45pm).

The FAI Cup holders and League Cup winners thought they had their name in the hat for the last four when they raced into a 2-0 lead after just 23 minutes of play at Flancare Park on Saturday night, only to see their midlands rivals from the first division scrape a 2-2 draw thanks to a late equaliser from Des Hope.

That means a replay back at St Mel’s Park tonight and both sides could stay unchanged for the repeat meeting.

Athlone manager Stephen Kelly has no new injury worries and will welcome back Robbie Shine after he missed out on Saturday night due to a one-match ban.

But Padraig Moran will continue his absence as he is likely to be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury while Paddy Mulvihill and Gary Murphy, on loan from Longford, are unavailable once again.

Longford boss Alan Matthews could bolster his starting line-up if he chooses with the return of defender Alan Murphy and striker Shane Barrett after serving suspensions.