In-form Treaty Travel to Bishopsgate to Face Longford

Treaty United will look to extend their unbeaten run to 6 games on Saturday night when they travel to Bishopsgate to take on another in-form side in Longford Town (7.30). It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since Treaty joined the league in 2021.

Treaty are coming into the clash off the back of a 2-1 victory over Wexford FC at the Markets Field on Monday night. Both Enda Curran and Steven Christopher were on target for the Limerick side as they moved up to 4^th place in the league table following their recent unbeaten run.

Saturday’s opponents have also earned some credible victories in recent weeks beating both Cobh and Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds and Gary Cronin’s side are now sitting in third position. They have won four of their last five games and are currently two points ahead of Treaty. Tipped by many to be among the play-off places, Longford possess a strong squad with Sam Verdon leading the line for the Midlanders. Any question that the lack of competition in the striking department may hinder them has been quashed with recent results and the likes of Darren Craeven chipping in with important goals.

Treaty United welcomed back Sean Guerins to the squad following a brief absence last week and with Joe Gorman also expected to be available to face his former club this weekend, there will be plenty of competition to start in the centre of defence. The likelihood is that Jack Lynch will be pushed further forward to midfield where there is also growing competition. The Clare cohort of Lee Devitt, Callum McNamara and Joe Collins have all recently staked their claims with Collins coming in from under the radar to be a mainstay in the last month.

The only area in which Treaty are lacking options is up front with Kieran Hanlon and Conor Melody still struggling with injury and it forced manager Tommy Barrett to switch from his recently selected 4-4-2 formation with Enda Curran leading the line. Dean George has also proved more than capable in recent weeks. There has been a huge clamour to see Willie Armshaw given a start in recent weeks but with Steven Christopher playing a huge role in securing the four points against both Athlone and Wexford and Joel Coustrain showing much improved displays, the role of an impact sub may have to suffice for the Tipperary man.

Coustrain was taken off as a precaution with a tight hamstring but is unlikely to be risked in Longford. Steven Christopher has enjoyed a good weekend and he feels his goal contributions are timely. “I was probably a bit disappointed with my goal contributions last year and it was something I was looking to add more of this year. I feel like I’m getting into better positions now. Once you get one goal, the ball tends to break for you and things open up for you. I’m just delighted that I am contributing to the team winning.”

Sporting Limerick soccer analyst Jason O’Connor feels that it will be a tight affair at the City Calling Stadium.

“Longford have threats. Eric Molloy is doing really well for them. We know about Sam Verdon and Darren Craeven as well. They look after the ball and are a possession based team. With that in mind, Treaty will use the same template as last season and make themselves hard to beat and then change it up later on in the game. A draw would be an excellent result.”

Treaty United senior women’s side are also in action on Saturday afternoon when they face Athlone Town at the Markets Field (5pm). Treaty are still looking for their first victory having endured a disappointing 3-1 defeat in Sligo last weekend.