Since our own home games moved to Friday nights, Saturday evening fixtures have become a rarity for Ramblers. However this week’s trip to Longford Town brings just that as manager Shane Keegan looks to build on his opening league win at home to Bray.

He brings the Rams to the Midlands on the back of Sunday’s 1-0 FAI Cup defeat to Cork City. The Town for their part exited the Cup at the hands of Dundalk, losing 4-0 to the Lilywhites.

Fourth place Longford look relatively assured of a play-off spot but an improving Wexford are chasing both them and Treaty, and Gary Cronin’s men will want to put a positive run together to ensure they don’t miss out.

The Midlanders have won both meetings between the clubs to date in 2022. A 2-0 win in Bishopsgate was backed up by an entertaining 4-2 victory at St Colman’s Park in May. Cobh’s last win against Longford came back in 2020.

The Rams will be without the suspended Harlain Mbayo who serves a one game ban having accumulated eight yellow cards while goalkeeper Sean Barron remains absent through injury. Paul Hunt who returned to the club this week is in line to feature against his former side while recent Waterford loanee Liam Kervick could also feature.

Shane Keegan gave his thoughts on the game earlier this week, and spoke of new signing Liam Kervick

“If we can keep delivering performances you’d be hoping it’s a chance to pick up some points. We’re moving in the right direction but we’re not getting carried away. Defensively we’re looking better, it’s now time to look a bit more at the other end of the pitch. There’s a lot of options in the squad for us, players pushing for places and it’s a positive dilemma to have.

Liam is a tricky winger, it’s another body in the final third to give us options. He’s young and learning the game but this is a great environment for him now until the rest of the season.

Kick-off in Bishopsgate is at 19:30, with the game being streamed live on LOITV here.