Setanta Cup ready for kick-off

The Setanta Cup kicks off on Tuesday evening when Irish League giants Glentoran clash with Alan Matthew's FAI Cup holders Longford Town at the Oval (Kick-off 7.15pm).

Both sides are looking to assert early authority for themselves and their respective League’s in the competition, with both sides claiming the other side has the advantage.

Glentoran go into the clash on a nine-game unbeaten run and joint top of the Irish League, though manager Roy Coyle insists that Longford’s freshness will give them an advantage.

His counterpart, Alan Mathews, however claims that the Glens’ match sharpness will make all the difference. “They’ve got match competitiveness from their games which we wouldn’t have going into the game.

"If you’re winning matches, you want to play match after match after match. They just want to play the next game and the fact that’s is us doesn’t make a difference,” he said.

Both teams are near full strength for the clash with Glentoran’s experienced midfielder Darren Lockhart (hamstring) doubtful while Longford will give a late fitness test to new signing Andy Myler (also hamstring).