🗞️ Match Preview | Longford Town vs Dundalk FC

Dundalk FC
Sep 18
3 min read

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

⏰ Kick-off: 7.30PM

📍 Venue: Bishopsgate

Dundalk FC hit the road this weekend as they travel to Bishopsgate to take on Longford Town in Matchday 32 of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.

The Lilywhites bounced back from two consecutive draws with a 3-1 home victory over Bray Wanderers last Friday night. Goals from Eoin Kenny and a double from Gbemi Arubi secured the win in front of a strong Oriel crowd. That result keeps Ciarán Kilduff’s side firmly at the summit of the table on 69 points, six clear of second-placed Cobh Ramblers, with just five games remaining. With promotion and the league title within touching distance, Dundalk know every fixture from here on is pivotal.

📈 Longford’s Form

Longford Town enter this clash struggling near the bottom of the table. They sit 9th on 30 points, level with Kerry FC but ahead only on goal difference.

Their recent form has been poor, with two draws and two defeats in their last four matches. The Midlands club haven’t won since early August, when they beat Treaty United 2-0 at home. Since then, they’ve been edged out 2-1 by UCD at the Bowl and are desperate to turn things around. Longford will be determined to make life difficult for the league leaders.

⚔️ Previous Meetings

This is the fourth and final meeting between the sides this season, with Dundalk holding a perfect record so far.

Back in March at Oriel Park, Longford shocked Dundalk with an early lead, but a Dean Ebbe penalty and an Eoin Kenny strike in the 79th minute turned it around for a 2-1 win. The second encounter in April at Bishopsgate was a tighter affair for over an hour, before Dundalk pulled away with goals from Ebbe in the 55th and 63rd minutes, and Andy Paraschiv sealing a 3-0 victory late on.

Most recently, in August at Oriel Park, Dundalk produced a dominant 4-1 display. Kenny’s opener and Ebbe’s brace set the tone before Declan McDaid grabbed his first goal for the club. Longford managed a consolation through Oisín Hand, but Dundalk had already done the damage.

Kilduff’s men will be aiming to make it four from four this weekend.

🗣️ Kilduff’s Thoughts

Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Ciarán Kilduff said:

“It’s our third last away game of the season and we know how important it is. Longford have made it difficult for us this year, we needed a late winner from Eoin Kenny in the first game, and even in the 3-0, it was tight until the hour mark. The 4-1 at home was more comfortable, but even then, it could have swung differently.”

The Dundalk boss stressed the importance of focus and preparation as the season nears its conclusion.

“We know our lead could be cut before kick-off with others playing Friday night, so we need to be switched on and fully focused. With only five games left, every one of them is massive. We’ve been proud of our performances, but there’s still work to do.”

📋 Team News

Daryl Horgan remains sidelined through injury, alongside long-term absentees Leo Gaxha and Sean McHale. Midfielder Aodh Dervin is suspended for the trip to Bishopsgate. There is better news on the availability front, however, with Enda Minogue completing another week of training and expected to be available, while Ethan Vaughan has also returned to full fitness.

Aside from those unavailable, Kilduff has a strong squad at his disposal heading into Saturday’s clash.