Dundalk will be looking to make it three wins out of three as they face newly promoted Longford tonight this evening at Bishopsgate in the SSE Airtricity League.
In what is their second away trip in a row for the Lilywhites, the Midlanders will be hoping for home comforts following a humbling 3-0 defeat to St. Patricks Athletic in Inchicore last Friday.
Dundalk captain Chris Shields doesn’t score many goals but when he does, they have vital importance. He scored Dundalk’s second on Friday night in a 3-0 that began the road to redemption for the current FAI Cup holders.
“Sometimes the young lads look to the old pros and say ‘get us out of a hole’” quipped Shields after he scored his first league goal since his winner against Cork City back in 2018.
“It’s probably an unusual situation for us to be in but we have to show confidence comes with winning games and show the new lads this is what we are about. Training has been very good, and the players can sense it and it’s taking into games now.”
Looking forward to this evening Shields knows a bank holiday road trip is far from ideal “Two away games on the trot is never easy, Longford is a good side on their day, and I know they will play well. It’s about us going down there and keeping this momentum going”
Longford will be hoping to bounce back following a 3-0 defeat on Friday and manager Daire Doyle couldn’t hide his disappointment at the result.
“There were mistakes made…I need to address that. Losing that game 3-0 when we had so many strong performances is frustrating.” Refected Doyle.
De Town will be trying to avoid a third straight defeat in a row, as the Premier Division table begins to take some shape, if Longford is to ensure to keep their status in the top flight, Doyle knows that taking points and fast is of paramount importance.
The home side will be without Callum Warfield, Aaron McNally, Conor Davis and Matthew O’Brien who are all dealing with injuries. Shane Elworthy and Club Captain Dean Zambra are also doubtful for this evening’s visit from Dundalk.
The Lilywhites will be without Sonni Nattestad which has been a source of frustration for interim manager Jim Magilton. The talented centre back has been unavailable since returning from international duty.
“We’re still monitoring his progress. We are extremely disappointed with the Faroe Islands in terms of how he came back and we’re going to deal with that.”
Ciaran Callan
Ciaran Callan is a part-time sports journalist based in Dundalk, Co. Louth. He has more than 10 year’s experience working with media companies including both extensive radio broadcasting experience along with print and digital media reporting for the SSE Airtricity League as well digital media work with the national sports company eirSport. He joined FinalWhistle in February 2021 as is their main correspondent for Dundalk Football Club.