This will be Longford’s second visit of the season to Gortakeegan, in the previous encounter United were coasting to 2-0 victory with seven minutes to go.  Unfortunately the home side took their eye off the ball and in those closing minutes Longford got back to make it 2-2.  In the meantime Monaghan United had a comprehensive 3-0 win on their last visit to Flancare Park

Longford Town come into this game after picking up three valuable points against Finn Harps, Although Longford dominated the proceedings they had to wait until 84^th minute for Peter Hynes to score the only goal of the game. It is a frustrating time for the Longford followers; they see their team taking valuable points off the stronger sides only to leak them to the weaker ones.  At the moment Monaghan are regarded as one of the stronger sides, so will have to be aware of Longford’s reputation of accounting for such sides, so let there be no doubt that Mid-Landers have them in their sights and would fancy their chances.

Monaghan United slipped up to Shelbourne last week in the process suffering only their third defeat of the season.  On their overall performance in that game Monaghan were unlucky in the end not to have got at least a share of the points.  They were dealt a double blow in the opening minutes with a sending off and a minute later conceding a goal. It is not a defeat that I believe the side will dwell on, they are still in second position in the table and promotion, either through the direct route as winners or alternatively as qualifiers very much on their agenda.

The manager Mick Cooke again will have a near full squad to pick from so on present form United should be recording another home win

Shelbourne 2 -1 Monaghan United

Monaghan United's proud year old record