Cork City look to bounce back on Friday Night, as they host Longford Town, following Barry Robson’s side dropping points in Cobh.
Cork City remain top of the pile in 2026, with ten points from the twelve available so far, three points off UCD in 2nd place. Their perfect record was put to an end last Friday Night at St.Colman’s Park. City took the lead early through Seani Maguire, taking his tally to four for the season. However, the Rams took control of the game, before Rhys Gourdie brought the sides level from the spot in the 57th minute, to split the points in the Cork derby.
Longford Town are yet to see victory in 2026. They find themselves in 8th place, with three points so far this season. They have had their first four games finish in a sharing of points at the Carlisle Grounds, defeat at home to Fran Rockett’s Cobh Ramblers, a draw away to Kerry and most recently another stalemate 0-0 draw against UCD.
Key Information
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday 13th of March
Where to Watch: LOI TV
Betting Odds: Cork City @1/3, Draw @17/5, Longford Town @7/1.
Team News
Young striker Charlie Hanover is still recovering from a knee injury. Also, Cork City captain Fiacre Kelleher was substituted due to a head collision, with Cian Coleman. It is unknown what state the skipper is in after the incident.
Longford Town have a long list of absentees. Striker Francis Campbell, Longford’s top-scorer last season Aaron Doran, Dean George, Aaron Walsh and Jamie Egan have all been unavailable for ‘De Town’ recently.
Key Statistics
First Division top-scorer Seani Maguire has scored more goals against Longford Town, than any other team he has played against in his career. The Kilkenny man has found the net on ten occasions against the Midlands outfit.
Longford Town have only beat Cork City twice since 2006, these wins coming in the FAI Cup in 2006 and the Premier Division in 2015.
Longford Town average the most accurate long balls in the league, with 36.5 per game.
Key Players
It goes without saying how lethal Seani Maguire is in front of goal, and in 2026 it has been no different, scoring four from four. The veteran striker possesses great close control, exceptional hold-up play, an incredible leap considering his height and his best ability, scoring goals.
Kian Moore will have a lot to do in the Longford Town net. The goalkeeper enjoyed many great years with UCD, proving to be a very competent First Division goalkeeper. The 22 year-old has already had a lot of saves to make already this season, this will have to continue if his side want a result from their trip south. Although, according to the statistics, he should be up to the task.
Previous Meetings:
30/8/24 – Cork City 3-2 Longford Town
7/6/24 – Cork City 2-0 Longford Town
20/4/24 – Longford Town 1-4 Cork City
9/3/24 – Longford Town 0-2 Cork City