Longford hold key to title race

FAI Cup winners Longford Town could hold the fate of the eircom League title in their hands when they visit Tolka Park tonight for the first two games this week against Premier Division leaders Shelbourne (kick-off 7.45pm).

Defending champions Shels hold a four-point advantage over second-placed Cork City and are just four games away from clinching back-to-back titles.

Two of those games are against Longford, whom they meet in a return league fixture at Flancare Park next Saturday night. Anything but maximum points for the Dubliners from those games will keep the nerves jangling a little longer as the season draws to its conclusion.

Despite winning the FAI Cup for the second year in succession 10 days ago, adding to their League Cup success earlier in the campaign, Longford’s league form has been unimpressive and they are still mathematically in danger of relegation.

But Alan Matthews’ side will be encouraged by Shels’ current dip in form at Tolka Park, with the Dublin side scoring just once in three winless home games.

Longford will have midfielder Dean Fitzgerald available again following a one-match ban which ruled him out of last weekend’s defeat at St Patrick’s Athletic while frontman Dessie Baker could also return having missed the same game through injury.

Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon could well leave things intact and stick with the same side that started the goalless draw at home to title rivals Cork last Friday night.