Athlone Town AFC -v- Waterford United FC
Credit:
Athlone Town will reclaim third place in the League of Ireland First Division if they maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they welcome Waterford United, who could jump to joint third with a win, at Lissywollen on Sunday evening (kick-off 5pm).
Bright start
Athlone, who finished above only Kildare County last term, have started the new campaign impressively under new manager Brendan Place, winning their opening two games, against Mervue United (1-0) and Kildare (3-1), and taking a scoreless draw from Limerick last week despite ending the match with ten men. Waterford's visit is the midlands outfit's toughest fixture to date, though, and Place - a former Athlone player - knows it.
No fear
“It will be tough against Waterford United who are considered by many to be one of the title challengers this season," he said, "but we have proven that we are more than a match for any team and we fear nobody. We have to continue with the effort and application that we have shown over the season so far and we are in no doubt that by doing that we will get results against any opposition.”
First defeat
Waterford too started the season positively and secured their first win in week two at Wexford Youths having been unlucky to take just a point from a home encounter with title favourites Sporting Fingal on the opening night. However, they tasted defeat for the first time last weekend when they were stunned by Paddy Madden's late strike for Shelbourne at the RSC, a loss boss Stephen Henderson was "really disappointed" with. Though the former Cobh Ramblers manager insists his side are good enough to challenge for promotion.
Switching off
"I felt we competed with [Shels] for the entire match and we were the team who created all of the chances," he said. "Unfortunately we switched off at the end and they punished us. We had enough chances to finish the game off. That is twice we have switched off this season and we have been made to pay. We need to get points on the board from here on in, starting with Athlone. We have the players to do that and make a good challenge to win the league. We are still gelling together and we will give this league a right go. I have put that pressure on myself, and I believe when we all get to know each other’s play we will kick on big time.”
Trio suspended
Athlone are without goalkeeper John McGuinness, who was sent off at Jackman Park last week, and defender Des Hope, who also sits out through a ban. Waterford have similar problems as they are without defender Kieran Fitzgerald, who serves a one-match ban carried over from last season, while midfielder Paul McCarthy is a slight doubt with a groin injury. Incidentally, should Athlone striker Noel McGee play, it will be his 100th club appearance.
extratime.ie prediction: This is Athlone's most difficult task to date and Waterford should shade it. 0-1.
Bright start
Athlone, who finished above only Kildare County last term, have started the new campaign impressively under new manager Brendan Place, winning their opening two games, against Mervue United (1-0) and Kildare (3-1), and taking a scoreless draw from Limerick last week despite ending the match with ten men. Waterford's visit is the midlands outfit's toughest fixture to date, though, and Place - a former Athlone player - knows it.
No fear
“It will be tough against Waterford United who are considered by many to be one of the title challengers this season," he said, "but we have proven that we are more than a match for any team and we fear nobody. We have to continue with the effort and application that we have shown over the season so far and we are in no doubt that by doing that we will get results against any opposition.”
First defeat
Waterford too started the season positively and secured their first win in week two at Wexford Youths having been unlucky to take just a point from a home encounter with title favourites Sporting Fingal on the opening night. However, they tasted defeat for the first time last weekend when they were stunned by Paddy Madden's late strike for Shelbourne at the RSC, a loss boss Stephen Henderson was "really disappointed" with. Though the former Cobh Ramblers manager insists his side are good enough to challenge for promotion.
Switching off
"I felt we competed with [Shels] for the entire match and we were the team who created all of the chances," he said. "Unfortunately we switched off at the end and they punished us. We had enough chances to finish the game off. That is twice we have switched off this season and we have been made to pay. We need to get points on the board from here on in, starting with Athlone. We have the players to do that and make a good challenge to win the league. We are still gelling together and we will give this league a right go. I have put that pressure on myself, and I believe when we all get to know each other’s play we will kick on big time.”
Trio suspended
Athlone are without goalkeeper John McGuinness, who was sent off at Jackman Park last week, and defender Des Hope, who also sits out through a ban. Waterford have similar problems as they are without defender Kieran Fitzgerald, who serves a one-match ban carried over from last season, while midfielder Paul McCarthy is a slight doubt with a groin injury. Incidentally, should Athlone striker Noel McGee play, it will be his 100th club appearance.
extratime.ie prediction: This is Athlone's most difficult task to date and Waterford should shade it. 0-1.
