Athlone Town -v- Finn Harps

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town play host to a Finn Harps side yet to taste defeat and Roddy Collins’ men are themselves looking to get back to winning ways after losing 1-0 against Waterford United last week.

Athlone were unbeaten in the league until their defeat at the RSC last Friday night though they have won only once, 2-0 away to Wexford Youths. Their remaining three league fixtures all ended in draws with a 3-3 result against Salthill Devon proving the pick of the bunch for pure goalmouth adrenaline.

Manager Roddy Collins will not be able to call upon his son, Roddy Junior, who is serving an automatic ban following a straight red card against Waterford due to a mistimed tackle. Niall Lanigan is also suspended after accumulating four yellow cards this campaign while Noel McGee has a hamstring injury and is highly unlikely to feature.

Having served his suspension following a dismissal against Salthill Devon, Philly Gorman returns to the side in what will be a big boost for the team.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps are looking to make it seven games unbeaten with victory over Athlone Town away from home while also hoping to close the gap on league leaders Longford Town.

There a growing number of injury concerns for manager Peter Hutton after Thomas McMonagle joined Ciaran Coll and Sean McCarron on the treatment table. McMonagle picked up a hairline foot fracture last week during the 0-0 draw at home to Wexford Youths which will rule him out for at least four weeks.

Marc Brolly is also doubtful having picked up a knock in that last encounter although good news came with Matt Harkin returning after a thigh problem and he will be available for selection.

Manager Hutton is expecting a tough test against Roddy Collins’ Athlone and is more than impressed with the squad that he has assembled.

“Roddy Collins has come in and instantly the club now has an expectation to achieve success, the board have obviously backed their new man in providing Roddy with the resources to completely revamp the Athlone squad and bring in several experienced Premier Division players such as Philip Gorman, Barry Clancy, Paul Skinner, Robbie Clarke, Conor McMahon, Lee Dixon coupled with some of the most promising young players on loan from St Pats, in particular young Ryan Coombes who has started the season extremely well,” said Hutton of the Midlanders squad.

“So essentially Roddy has recruited a quality squad that boasts a good level of experience, but also possess the exuberance of youth. Hopefully the pitch is in better condition than our previous visits last season as it was poor.  Either way though, we will look forward to the game and do our upmost to return with a favourable result.” 

Referee: John McLoughlin.

MATCH STATS

Games between these clubs have been very close in recent years as they have played each other 22 times since 2006 with Athlone winning seven, Finn Harps claiming victory in six and nine draws having taken place.

Last season Athlone won twice while Harps won one. The other game ended in a draw.

The Donegal outfit’s last win away to Athlone came courtesy of a Kevin McHugh strike in August 2011.

BETTING

Athlone Town 17/10; Draw 11/5; Finn Harps 7/5.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0-1 Finn Harps: Harps will likely find it tough as they cope with injuries but should have enough to narrowly see off the threat of the Midlanders.

Athlone Town

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Noel McGee.
Suspended: Roddy Collins Jnr, Niall Lanigan.

Finn Harps

Injured: Ciaran Coll (cartilage tear), Sean McCarron (calf), Thomas McMonagle (hairline foot fracture).
Doubtful: Marc Brolly.
Suspended: None.