League Preview: Treaty United -v- Athlone Town

Joel COustrain ina ction for Treaty United during the 2021 season.

Joel Coustrain was one of the goalscorers in Treaty United's 5-1 win over Wexford last weekend. Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)

TREATY UNITED

Treaty United made an explosive start to the new SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign cruising to a 5-1 win over Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park last Friday night.

While there’s no room for complacency, manager Tommy Barrett will be impressed with the performance for many reasons, especially Treaty’s ruthlessness and efficiency in front of goal.

The season may only be in it’s youthful stages but the First Division table makes for good viewing for Treaty who are currently positioned in second place behind Cork City on goal difference.

Attention now turns to the first home game of the new season as Treaty entertain Athlone Town and Tommy Barrett will renew acquaintances with former Limerick FC boss Martin Russell who’s now in charge of the Midlanders.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Barrett said Athlone Town deserve respect and is well aware of Russell’s managerial credentials.

“They (Athlone Town) were decent against Waterford and created three or four very good chances in the game.

 “They were very good from an attacking point of view and could cause us problems as Martin’s teams generally do and they’ll be looking to exploit any defensive weaknesses.”

Treaty’s defensive solidity last season helped secure a play-off place, hence it’s no surprise that Barrett was disappointed to not keep a clean sheet against Wexford.

He added, “we gave up too many chances and we need to cut that out this week for sure.”

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town opened the campaign with a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Waterford on home soil and manager Martin Russell gave an honest assessment of his side’s display when speaking to extratime.com afterwards;

“They were worthy winners, no complaints and a lot for us to learn.



“It was tough, we said the opening game against the favourites for the league was always going to be a challenge.

“Particularly with the group that we’ve formed just coming together, we realised that it was going to be tough.

“We should have learned a lot tonight; it’s acknowledging that and trying to do our best to bridge that gap and trying to be better next time.”

The Midlanders have continued adding to their squad and welcomed two new squad addition on board during the last few days.

19-year-old defender Cian Kelly has joined from St Patrick’s Athletic having spent the second half of last season on loan at Wexford while Israel Kimazo has graduated from the club’s academy and lined out for their first team in each of the last two seasons.

Referee: Declan Toland



MATCH STATS

Athlone Town failed to record a single victory over Treaty last season; their three meetings returned two defeats and one draw.

Treaty United’s 5-1 victory over Wexford in the opening round is their biggest in League of Ireland football to date (previous record was the 4-1 triumph over Athlone Town in July 2021)

BETTING

Treaty United 4/6; Draw 13/5; Athlone Town 7/2.

PREDICTION

Treaty United 3-1 Athlone Town

Treaty United

Injured: Anthony O’Donnell, Jack Lynch, Denzil Fernandes,

Doubtful: Joe Collins, Martin Coughlan,

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable

Doubtful: Unavailable

Suspended: None.

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