League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Athlone Town

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh currently sit in eighth, three points behind fellow county men Cabinteely, as they prepare to host Athlone Town at St Colman's Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Wexford were the visitors last week and they left with nothing to show for their journey as Cobh ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Darren Murphy and Stephen Christopher.

However Murphy will not be available for selection as he serves a one match suspension.

The sides have already met this season with Cobh making the trip to Athlone on April 30^th leaving as 4-1 victors.

Goals from Darren Murphy, Andrew Murphy and a brace from Jaze Kabia sealed the victory on that occasion.

Cobh have won three of their last six picking up wins against wins against Cabinteely, Wexford and Finn Harps while drawing at home to Galway. The loss came away at high flying UCD.

All indictors point towards a sixth win of the season for the St.Colman’s Park men.

Cobh Ramblers failed to provide any team news for tonight’s encounter.

ATHLONE TOWN

No team in either division will be looking forward to the midseason break more than Athlone.

16 games into the season they currently sit bottom of the table without a win so far this season.

Things looks unlikely to change anytime soon with ten players leaving the club this week for a host of reasons.

Cormac Raftery, Barry Davies, Darren Boyle, Eoin Roche, Ethanda Nkololo, Felix Bape Perez, Martin Walshe, Nathan Murphy, Thaigh Keogh and Shaun O’Donnell have all left.

Despite all the negativity, three players made their Athlone debuts last week and Nika Kalandarisvalli, Baba Issaka and Sodiq Oguntola will be expected to see more playing time.

So far this season Athlone have lost 14 times while picking up a share of the spoils against Finn Harps and Longford Town.

That clash against Longford Town on May 25^th was the last time that Athlone scored a league goal.

Athlone have conceded nine goals in their last two games, losing 4-0 away at Finn Harps while shipping five at home to Shelbourne last week.

Athlone have failed to provide any team news for tonight’s encounter.

Referee: Alan Patchell

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town haven’t scored a league goal since May 25^th, Aaron Brilly scoring in a 1-1 draw with Longford Town.

Cobh have scored five and conceded seven goals in their last six games, while Athlone have conceded 18 and scored one in the same timeframe.

The sides have already met in the league this season Cobh running out 4-1 winners in Athlone.

In the 16 league games so far this season Cobh have scored 14 goals and conceded 25 while Athlone have scored seven and conceded 60.

Last three league matches: Cobh Ramblers LLW; Athlone Town LLL.

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 1/12; Draw 15/2; Athlone Town 16/1.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 3-0 Athlone Town

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Darren Murphy, Pierce Phillips.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.