League Preview: Wexford -v- Athlone Town

Second-from-bottom Wexford FC host basement club Athlone Town at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night, in both side’s last game of the 2018 SSE Airtricity League First Division. (kick-off 8:00pm)

WEXFORD FC

Friday night sees the end of another long hard season for Wexford as they welcome fellow strugglers Athlone Town to Ferrycarrig Park for the second and final time this year.

Both clubs have found it hard going throughout the year but are finishing the season with good performances lately.

Wexford go into the game on the back of another fine performance away to Galway United last week. Dean George netted his third goal of the season to cap a fine year for the youngster in a 1-1 draw.

The Galway game saw Wexford’s first point earned since their home draw with Drogheda back on July 27^th, but the team performances of the Slaneysiders of late have been full of promise.

In fact, their last two home games against Shelbourne and Cobh, although both ending in 2-1 defeats, saw fans leaving Ferrycarrig full of praise for what is an extremely young squad.

It’s been a disappointing campaign for Wexford, and one would think a home win would serve as big optimism for next season.

Owen McCormack is a doubt for Friday’s game after picking up a hamstring injury in training this week but AJ Lehane is back available for selection at the back after missing the past few games. 

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone have one more chance to get a win and stop themselves from being the first side in the history of the First Division to go winless for the duration of the season.

From their 13 away games played before Friday night’s game, they have a record of 0 wins, 1 draw and 12 defeats.

On August 24^th, they drew 0-0 at home to Cobh Ramblers, in what was a re-arranged fixture due to Cobh’s involvement in last Sunday’s EA SPORTS Cup final.

The Town have not played in 21 days, and in that game, they drew 2-2 with Shelbourne at Tolka Park, which saw them pick up their first away point of the season.

The Midlands outfit were 2-0 down at half-time at the Drumcondra venue, but goals from Ian Fletcher and Oliver Hamzat in the second half ensured the draw,

Should Terry Butler’s side beat Wexford tonight, they would not move places in the table, but it would give the club some renewed optimism for the start of next season.

Athlone have failed to provide team news for the game in Ferrycarrig Park tonight.

Referee: Oliver Moran.

MATCH STATS

Both sides have met each other 35 times competitively. Athlone have won 16 of those, Wexford winning 13 and there has been six draws.

There has been an average of 2.5 goals a game in those 35 fixtures.

Wexford have not won a game since July 9^th, when they beat Cabinteely 2-1 at Stradbrook. Athlone have not won a game all season- their 3 points were awarded to them after Wexford fielded an ineligible player in their last fixture back in June.

In the other meeting between the pair this season, Wexford beat Athlone 7-0 at Ferrycarrig in April.

Wexford’s form in the last five games- DLLLL.

Athlone’s form in the last five games- DDLLL.

BETTING

Wexford FC 2/5; Draw 10/3; Athlone Town 5/1.

PREDICTION

Wexford FC 2-1 Athlone Town.

Wexford FC

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Owen McCormack (hamstring).

Suspended: Unknown.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Unknown.