Shelbourne -v- Athlone Town
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After back to back defeats in the league, Shelbourne will be looking to get their promotion bid back on track against Athlone Town at Tolka Park.
After a bright start to the league, successive defeats to promotion rivals UCD and Sporting Fingal have knocked Shels down to fourth place. Only a win for Dermot Keely’s side will keep up the pressure on the teams above them as we approach the end of the first series of games.
Athlone go into the game in confident mood after making a steady start to the season. Brendan Place’s men are unbeaten on the road so far but Friday’s game will undoubtedly be the biggest test they have faced so far this season. Athlone will be looking to bounce back from surrendering a two goal lead in last week‘s 2-2 draw against Finn Harps.
It seems that fans will be treated to some goals at Tolka Park on Friday night. Of all the teams in the top-six these two have conceded the most goals. Both defences will have to be on their toes however as Athlone’s front-two of Noel McGee and Emeka Onwubiko have hit seven goals so far this season as have Shelbourne strikers Paddy Madden and Anto Flood.
Dermot Keely has injury problems to contend with after Alan Keely , Richie Baker and Peter Hynes were all ruled out with hamstring injuries. Damien Brennan has been unable to shake of his groin injury while there will be late fitness tests for Dave McAllister and Kevin Doherty.
Athlone also have selection worries going into the game with Robbie Egan (foot) and Anthony Hayes (strained anterior crucuate) both unavaiable for selection . Benson who is away with the Irish Schools squad this weekend in Waterford are all definitely unavailable for selection.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Shelbourne 3 – 1 Athlone Town
After a bright start to the league, successive defeats to promotion rivals UCD and Sporting Fingal have knocked Shels down to fourth place. Only a win for Dermot Keely’s side will keep up the pressure on the teams above them as we approach the end of the first series of games.
Athlone go into the game in confident mood after making a steady start to the season. Brendan Place’s men are unbeaten on the road so far but Friday’s game will undoubtedly be the biggest test they have faced so far this season. Athlone will be looking to bounce back from surrendering a two goal lead in last week‘s 2-2 draw against Finn Harps.
It seems that fans will be treated to some goals at Tolka Park on Friday night. Of all the teams in the top-six these two have conceded the most goals. Both defences will have to be on their toes however as Athlone’s front-two of Noel McGee and Emeka Onwubiko have hit seven goals so far this season as have Shelbourne strikers Paddy Madden and Anto Flood.
Dermot Keely has injury problems to contend with after Alan Keely , Richie Baker and Peter Hynes were all ruled out with hamstring injuries. Damien Brennan has been unable to shake of his groin injury while there will be late fitness tests for Dave McAllister and Kevin Doherty.
Athlone also have selection worries going into the game with Robbie Egan (foot) and Anthony Hayes (strained anterior crucuate) both unavaiable for selection . Benson who is away with the Irish Schools squad this weekend in Waterford are all definitely unavailable for selection.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Shelbourne 3 – 1 Athlone Town
