League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Shelbourne

ATHLONE TOWN

At this stage of the season Athlone Town have nothing to play for in terms of promotion or playoff but they can have a major influence on the current contenders hopes starting with a home clash against Shelbourne FC on Friday night at Lissywoollen. The Town will be aiming for a win to honour the memory of club legend and former player/manager Jackie Quinn who recently passed away.

Prior to the cup break, Athlone made a sterling fightback coming from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils against high flying UCD.

SHELBOURNE

With just four league games remaining this is a must win match for Shelbourne if they to keep alive their slim hopes of a playoff spot. Kevin Doherty’s men know that any slip up would all but end their chances of catching UCD and Finn Harps in the race for second place.

In their previous game a fortnight ago, Shels failed to capitalize on a great win over UCD by drawing 0-0 against Cabinteely FC at Tolka Park. A result which means that they simply must win all of their remaining matches to stand any hope of a playoff berth.

MATCH STATS

There has been little to separate these two sides so far this season with both teams enjoying a win in the two previous meetings at Tolka Park (1-3 and 3-1 respectively) and Shelbourne narrowly edging the game at Lisseywollen 2-3.

Shelbourne have won only one of their last five league games having drawn three and lost one while Athlone’s draw last time out against UCD halted a run of four straight defeats.

Both teams have found goals hard to come by with Athlone managing 27 and Shelbourne bagging just 28 goals in their 24 matches.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1-2 Shelbourne

BETTING

Athlone 15/4 Draw 9/4 Shelbourne 8/11

Athlone Town

Suspensions: None

Injuries: Robbie Gaul (broken leg, dislocated ankle, torn ligaments) Season ending

Doubtful: Jamie O’Neill (Knee)

Shelbourne FC

Suspensions: None

Injuries: Dave Ryan, Craig Walsh, Alan Kehoe

Doubtful: Philly Hughes