Athlone Town -v- Waterford United

ATHLONE TOWN

The promised land beckons for Roddy Collins’ side, two points will see them promoted to the Premier Division as champions, a feat that looked all but impossible when they trailed Longford Town by eight points earlier in the season. But a 14 game unbeaten run with six straight wins in the league has seen the midlands club all but secure a return to the top flight.

Athlone’s home form has been the catalyst for their title run, winning seven and losing only one game, that defeat coming at the hands of Waterford, Roddy has turned Lissywoolen into a fortress.

Speaking on the game manager Roddy Collins said “This is Waterford’s big game, they have to win and that should impact the way they normally play.  They will come with the fear that is they lose their chances of winning the league are over where we will still have two more chances at getting the points required over the coming weeks”

James O’Brien is a doubt this week having bruised his shin while  Paul Skinner and Phillip Gorman both return after sitting out last weekend’s game due to suspension. 

WATERFORD UNITED

It could be last chance saloon for The Blues and anything but a win will see their slim hopes of taking the league title South disappear.

They will be buoyed by the fact that they are the only side to beat Athlone at Lissywollen, also they are coming into the game on the back of a 4-0 win at home to Wexford Youths.

It has been win or lose on the road for Waterford, they haven’t had a single draw away from the RSC.

Speaking ahead of the game Waterford coach and top scorer, David Breen said "It's a few years since they've beaten us, but we'll be heading to Athlone to spoil their party and put it on hold for another time."

"We have nothing to lose going up there, but they are expecting to pick up the trophy next week, however for us we need to win to remain in the play-off spot. It will give our lads the chance to experience a hostile atmosphere. I'm hoping that in a play-off situation it will be similar. The experience of playing in a game and in an atmosphere that we're expecting Friday night will do us no harm."

Long term injury Michael Coady is joined by John Frost who is a doubt with a calf injury.

Referee: Robert Harvey

MATCH STATS

Since returning to the First Division in 2008, Waterford United have not lost to Athlone Town in 20 games.

The sides have met 9 times at Lissywoollen in those years, with the Blues winning six, including the most recent four visits. The most recent drawn game was back in July 2010.

After a scoreless encounter in March 2008, the Westmeath ground has seen plenty of goals, 24 in total for an average of three per match. However, there has only been four goals in the three meetings so far this season, the Blues scoring only once in each game.

BETTING

Athlone Town 6/5, Draw 21/10, Waterford United 2/1.

PREDICTION

1-2 to Waterford United

Athlone Town

Injured: None.
Doubtful: James O’Brien
Suspended: None.

Waterford United

Injured: Michael Coady
Doubtful: John Frost
Suspended: None.