Bishopsgate plays host to a crucial First Division clash on Saturday night, with both sides eyeing a surge up the table. Victory for Longford Town would lift them above Wexford and potentially Kerry FC and Finn Harps, while three points for James Keddy’s men would keep them right on the heels of Treaty United in the push for the playoffs.
Last Time Out
Longford Town travelled to the Kingdom last Friday night, where they fell victim to a Kerry FC side brimming with confidence after advancing to the FAI Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the club’s history. A goal from Cian Brosnan proved enough to hand the away side defeat.
Wexford hosted Bray Wanderers, and it was a strike from Cian Curtis that resulted in a third straight league defeat. Form has been hard to come by for this Wexford side, who boast some of the league’s most talented players but have been severely affected by injuries. Despite their struggles, the Youths remain in contention for a playoff spot, with eight games left in the season.
Previous Meetings
20/06/25 Wexford F.C 0-1 Longford Town
03/05/25 Longford Town 2-1 Wexford F.C
08/04/25 Wexford F.C 3-1 Longford Town
Key Players
Harry Halwax has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the First Division this season and is a major reason why Longford Town aren’t lower in the table. The 23-year-old is averaging 4.1 saves per game with a save percentage of 70%. The only goalkeeper in the league to better those numbers is Wexford’s Paul Martin, who is also averaging 4.1 saves per game but with a 76% save rate.
Halwax will certainly be tested against a player of Mikie Rowe’s quality. Rowe has already scored 16 times this season, placing him second in the Golden Boot race behind Barry Coffey on 19. Wexford have only beaten Longford once this season, and on that occasion Rowe both found the net and claimed the Man of the Match award.
Prediction
Longford Town 0-0 Wexford F.C
Both sides have struggled to score in recent weeks, with Wexford in particular failing to find the net in their last three outings. With two of the league’s best goalkeepers on show, a clean sheet apiece looks a real possibility.
Key Information
Where to Watch: LOITV
Kick Off: Saturday August 29th, 19:30
Betting Odds: Longford Town @2/1, Draw @23/10, Wexford F.C @23/20
Referee: Rob Hennessy