Shelbourne -v- Athlone Town
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Promotion chasing Shelbourne will be looking to keep up the pressure
on league leaders UCD tomorrow night as Athlone Town visit Tolka Park (kick-off: 8pm).
The home side come into this game on the back three draws in their
last four games, knowing that three points here is a must. Athlone
suffered their worst defeat of the season against Finn Harps last
Friday and face a daunting task to beat an impressive Shelbourne side
which has lost just three games all season.
Dermot Keely’s men still control their fate, knowing that winning their remaining six games would see them automatically promoted to the League of Ireland Premier Division. Whereas Athlone have been drawn into a battle at the bottom, having dropped to tenth following last weeks loss.
Tough tests against UCD and Sporting Fingal have left Shelbourne in a strong position as their fixtures begin to soften up. Athlone, however, face in-form Monaghan United, league leaders UCD and moneybags Sporting Fingal in the games following tomorrow’s fixture.
For Shelbourne, Anto Flood (red card) and Peter Hynes (three yellow cards) are both suspended for this game while David McGill (groin) and Damien Brennan (groin) are doubts. Losing four first team players is no more than a nuisance compared to Athlone’s worries however. Brendan Place will be forced to choose a side without Mick Byrne (groin), Kevin Williamson (leg), Gary Murphy (groin), Davie O’Connor (hip), Robbie Hamm (thigh) and Ciaran Reilly (leg). Des Hope (knee) and Noel McGee (hamstring) are both doubts and will face late fitness tests. Stephen Relihan, Stephen Place and Padraig Gilsonan will also miss out due to suspension.
Shelbourne beat Athlone 2-0 earlier in the season at Tolka Park and drew 2-2 in Athlone during the summer. With nine points in their last five league games, Shelbourne will be heavy favourites for this one.
extratime.ie Prediction: Comfortable victory for the home side, 2-0.
Dermot Keely’s men still control their fate, knowing that winning their remaining six games would see them automatically promoted to the League of Ireland Premier Division. Whereas Athlone have been drawn into a battle at the bottom, having dropped to tenth following last weeks loss.
Tough tests against UCD and Sporting Fingal have left Shelbourne in a strong position as their fixtures begin to soften up. Athlone, however, face in-form Monaghan United, league leaders UCD and moneybags Sporting Fingal in the games following tomorrow’s fixture.
For Shelbourne, Anto Flood (red card) and Peter Hynes (three yellow cards) are both suspended for this game while David McGill (groin) and Damien Brennan (groin) are doubts. Losing four first team players is no more than a nuisance compared to Athlone’s worries however. Brendan Place will be forced to choose a side without Mick Byrne (groin), Kevin Williamson (leg), Gary Murphy (groin), Davie O’Connor (hip), Robbie Hamm (thigh) and Ciaran Reilly (leg). Des Hope (knee) and Noel McGee (hamstring) are both doubts and will face late fitness tests. Stephen Relihan, Stephen Place and Padraig Gilsonan will also miss out due to suspension.
Shelbourne beat Athlone 2-0 earlier in the season at Tolka Park and drew 2-2 in Athlone during the summer. With nine points in their last five league games, Shelbourne will be heavy favourites for this one.
extratime.ie Prediction: Comfortable victory for the home side, 2-0.
About Gordon Hunt
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