'˜A home win is no longshot!'

LONGFORD TOWN midfielder, Kaleem Simon, is confident his side can turn around its fortunes with a shock victory over Derry City tomorrow - a result which might not go down too well with some of his close family members.
Longford Town midfielder, Kaleem Simon is hoping to end Derry City's six game unbeaten run on Saturday.Longford Town midfielder, Kaleem Simon is hoping to end Derry City's six game unbeaten run on Saturday.
Longford Town midfielder, Kaleem Simon is hoping to end Derry City's six game unbeaten run on Saturday.

The 19 year-old Dubliner’s mum, Karen, is originally from Benvarden Avenue in Derry’s Waterside and the Longford clash with Derry City is one he’s been looking forward to since the start of the campaign.

His granny, Sheila Strawbridge, currently lives in Knockwellan Park so he has plenty of family connections in the city - but he’ll put that to the back of his mind tomorrow night as he goes in search of a win which could lift struggling Longford off the bottom of the table.

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“It’s a game I always look forward to given my family connections in Derry,” said Kaleem.

“Derry have definitely surprised us with their start. They’re level on points with Dundalk at the top which is crazy considering we finished ahead of them last year.

“They’re doing so well and have obviously improved and it’s a massive achievement.”

Derry’s incredible start to the season after the 1-0 defeat to Finn Harps is in direct contrast to Longford’s who won their opening game away to Wexford Youths before failing to win in their next seven.

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However, despite a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Cork City and last week’s 4-0 defeat at home to Dundalk, Kaleem insists the mood in the camp is good.

“It’s been quite disappointing, our start to the league. We have to stay positive in the dressing room and Tony’s (Cousins) telling us not to worry. Our time will come. We have to continue to work hard and, hopefully, the results will turn around and something good will happen soon and, perhaps, as soon as Saturday night,” he said.“Hopefully, everything will change with a good result against Derry.”