Longford need to be wary of Carlow in push for promotion

Longford can take a big step in the direction of an immediate return to Division 3 of the National Football League in the bid to beat Carlow at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday, throw-in 3pm.

The vital victory against neighbouring rivals Leitrim in the previous round was a big boost for the players who are growing in confidence but the manager Paddy Christie is far from complacent in describing Carlow as a “really difficult challenge.” 

“We will have to perform with tenacity and intensity”, stated the concerned Christie who does not need to be reminded about what happened when the counties last clashed in a competitive fixture.

Carlow caused a considerable upset when they took Longford down in the group stage of the 2023 Tailteann Cup, coming out on top by the narrow margin of two points (2-13 to 1-14) at O’Moore Park in Portlaoise, and could be capable of springing another surprise!

Former Sligo and Waterford manager Niall Carew from Kildare is in his fifth season as the Carlow coach and he has guided his current charges into promotion contention with the unexpected win (3-10 to 1-14) over Tipperary at Semple Stadium in the opening round an excellent result.

While Carlow suffered disappointing defeats against superior opposition in Wexford and the league leaders Laois, there was a lot to admire about the determined manner in which they snatched a dramatic victory against Leitrim at Cullen Park thanks to a last gasp goal.

The dangerman is undoubtedly Darragh Foley, the target man at full-forward who fired over eight points (7 frees) in the win over Longford in the Tailteann Cup last year. 

With other useful attackers in Ross Dunphy and Colm Hulton along with the commanding presence of Jordan Morrissey around the midfield area, Carlow could be hard beaten and are deadlocked with Longford, Leitrim and Wexford on six points apiece in the table.

A fierce battle has developed for the second promotion spot in Division 4 but Longford have gathered a fair amount of momentum and should succeed in collecting another couple of crucial league points, particularly with home advantage, but  will need to be wary against Carlow.

Another win at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday will set up a grandstand finish in the remaining league fixture away to Wexford on Sunday week (March 24) in a tense and exciting situation. 

National Football League Division 4 

Round 6 Fixtures

Saturday March 16

Glennon Brothers Pearse Park: Longford v Carlow, 3pm

O’Moore Park: Laois v Leitrim, 4.15pm

Semple Stadium: Tipperary v Wexford, 6pm

Ruislip: London v Waterford, 1pm

NFL Division 4 

Round 7 Fixtures

Sunday March 24

Wexford Park: Wexford v Longford, 1pm

Pairc Sean Carrick-On-Shannon: Leitrim v Tipperary, 1pm

Cullen Park: Carlow v London, 1pm

Dungarvan: Waterford v Laois, 1pm