Limerick -v- Athlone Town
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Jackman Park hosts seventh versus ninth in this First Division clash between Limerick and Athlone Town on Friday (Kick-off 7:45p.m). Ten points separate both sides but a victory is vital as both teams look for consistency towards the end of the season.
The last time these two sides met it ended 2-0 to Pat Scully’s side in Athlone. Despite this, 0-0 is the most common result between Limerick and Athlone, a result which has occurred the last three times Athlone have visited Jackman Park.
Saying that, goals are expected on Friday as both sides have been poor defensively so far this season. Injuries and players departing the club has left Pat Scully with only one fit centre back for Friday’s clash with Athlone.
Pat Scully was delighted with his side’s 2-1 victory over Mervue United last weekend. The Dublin native, who recently signed a two-year contract with Limerick, is looking forward to Friday’s game against Athlone Town.
Speaking after last Friday’s win against Mervue, Pat Scully said “Yeah, it was good to get the win especially after a few bad results at home. Our first half performance was very good and we played really well. We were not as good in the second half, but we certainly deserved to win the game. The penalty we conceded was a bit of a mystery since we didn't know what it was for - the linesman and the fourth official both gave us different reasons for why it was given.”
He added “We've had a difficult few weeks and it was hard on the players to get beaten heavily at home by Fingal and Longford, but we just haven't had time to settle down at all. Now we need to stay clear of injuries - every week we've been missing at least 10 players through injury. “
“It's important now that we stay fit and build on this win.”
Limerick have to plan for Friday’s game without Shane Walters, Ian Storan, Pat Purcell and Paul Cummins who all remain out through injury but club captain Purcell is expected to return for his sides trip to Tolka Park next week.
Athlone have no new injuries to contend with but Brendan Place is without Kieran Reilly who is suspended for Friday’s game after receiving four yellow cards so far this season.
Extratime.ie Prediction: History would suggest a scoreless draw but a 2-1 win for Limerick should break that trend.
The last time these two sides met it ended 2-0 to Pat Scully’s side in Athlone. Despite this, 0-0 is the most common result between Limerick and Athlone, a result which has occurred the last three times Athlone have visited Jackman Park.
Saying that, goals are expected on Friday as both sides have been poor defensively so far this season. Injuries and players departing the club has left Pat Scully with only one fit centre back for Friday’s clash with Athlone.
Pat Scully was delighted with his side’s 2-1 victory over Mervue United last weekend. The Dublin native, who recently signed a two-year contract with Limerick, is looking forward to Friday’s game against Athlone Town.
Speaking after last Friday’s win against Mervue, Pat Scully said “Yeah, it was good to get the win especially after a few bad results at home. Our first half performance was very good and we played really well. We were not as good in the second half, but we certainly deserved to win the game. The penalty we conceded was a bit of a mystery since we didn't know what it was for - the linesman and the fourth official both gave us different reasons for why it was given.”
He added “We've had a difficult few weeks and it was hard on the players to get beaten heavily at home by Fingal and Longford, but we just haven't had time to settle down at all. Now we need to stay clear of injuries - every week we've been missing at least 10 players through injury. “
“It's important now that we stay fit and build on this win.”
Limerick have to plan for Friday’s game without Shane Walters, Ian Storan, Pat Purcell and Paul Cummins who all remain out through injury but club captain Purcell is expected to return for his sides trip to Tolka Park next week.
Athlone have no new injuries to contend with but Brendan Place is without Kieran Reilly who is suspended for Friday’s game after receiving four yellow cards so far this season.
Extratime.ie Prediction: History would suggest a scoreless draw but a 2-1 win for Limerick should break that trend.
About David Byrne
is a freelance sports reporter based in Limerick who has been following the League of Ireland for as long as he can remember. As an avid Limerick supporter his earliest memory of the League was … View Full Profile