Match Preview: Longford Town (A)

Date: March 1st 2025
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Venue: Bishopsgate

Athlone Town travel to Bishopsgate to face Longford Town on Saturday night in the first Midlands Derby of 2025.

In what is dubbed as one of the biggest matches of the season, this encounter serves as an opportunity for Dario Castelo’s men to kick start their season, having succumbed to disappointing defeats against Treaty United and Dundalk FC.

Longford Town are yet to register any points on the board, having registered a defeat against Bray Wanderers on the opening weekend. Their clash in Ferrycarrig Park against Wexford FC fell victim to the rain of last weekend.

What do you need to know?
The Midlands derby has served up some thrilling clashes in the past, with bragging rights on the line, this game means a lot to both supporters, which will contribute to a raucous atmosphere on Saturday night.

Athlone were victims of a Treaty triumph last weekend as the visitors emerged victorious on a scoreline of 5-0. Fans will be yearning for a far superior performance for this local derby, as Athlone hope to begin their climb up the table in the hunt for promotion.

Team News
There are several absentees for Athlone ahead of Saturday’s fixture. Dan Mckenna will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a foot injury while Bastien Hery is also out due to illness. Declan McDaid also misses out due to a hamstring injury which kept him out of last week’s game against Treaty United. Adam Wixted is also added to the injury list with a shoulder injury forcing him to miss the game against Longford. Adam Lennon who has returned to the club is available for selection.

Past Encounters
Athlone fans will have fond memories of the reverse fixture last year, in the 3-3 thriller with Athlone playing with an abundance of pride and passion for the jersey after being 3-0 down at half time, the same fight will be replicated by the team on Saturday.

In the four league games last year, Athlone were victors once on a scoreline of 4-1, while the remaining three games saw both teams share the points.

Key Players to Watch
For Athlone, Giddeon Tetteh proved fruitful off the bench last week, creating chances as he marauded down the wing in the second half in Athlone Town Stadium. Tetteh will be hoping to be in from the start at Bishopsgate, having scored in this fixture last year. His pace and close control could be key to unlocking the Longford defence.

Longford Town’s Emre Topçu will be one to watch, with the former Drogheda United loanee permanently signed to the Midlands side. His ability to control the play from the centre of the pitch as well as acting as an anchor for his centre backs may frustrate the Athlone attack.

Live Coverage
Match tickets can be purchased here
The game will be streamed live on LOITV here
Subscriptions for LOITV can be purchased here

Match preview by Jake McLoughlin
Photograph by Lorcan Withers