League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Bray Wanderers
Gary Armstrong has been a creative force for Athlone Town this season Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)
Bottom of the table Athlone Town host Bray Wanderers at the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night with a 7.45pm kick off.
Despite being situated below their visitors in the league standings, the Midlanders have actually picked up more points in their past five games. The sides last met six games ago with Bray Wanderers recording a three nil victory at the Carlisle Grounds.
Last week saw Athlone travel to Wexford’s Ferrycarrig Park and, despite a fantastic long range strike courtesy of Youri Habing’s first league goal for the club, were downed by two late goals from one of the form teams in the division. For their part, Bray Wanderers also were defeated on a 3-1 scoreline as they succumbed to Cork City- the current league leaders taking a lead into half time before a second half strike from Ruairi Keating sealed the points. Conor Clifford’s late red card compounded a miserable night for the hosts.
The 2021 season saw Kurtis Byrne involved in seven league goals for Athlone Town - netting four goals while also providing three assists, including setting up the winner for Scott Delaney against Bray Wanderers last season. This campaign he’s already had six goal involvements for Pat Devlin’s Wanderers- finding the net three times. Last week was his first assist from play of the season as his sumptuous cross for Darragh Lynch was converted by the teenager.
Sligo native Gary Armstrong has been in creative form for Athlone Town following his transfer at the start of the season. His one goal and six assists have made him the top creator at the Midlands club. However, in terms of goal involvements, it’s Thomas Oluwa who leads the way here with six goals and three assists. Of the five points Athlone Town have accumulated this season, Oluwa’s strikes have helped earn four of them- he netted in the draw against Bray Wanderers earlier in the season while his double in the 5-2 win over Cobh Ramblers was crucial.
Tonight’s game could also see debuts for new Bray Wanderers signings Jamie Hollywood and Colin Kelly who put pen to paper on new deals at the Wicklow club during the week.
Referee:Marc Lynch
MATCH STATS
Both club’s top scorers this season- Darragh Lynch and Thomas Oluwa are tied on 6 goals apiece.
The previous game between the sides at the Athlone Town Stadium finished 1-1 with Kurtis Byrne netting for Bray Wanderers and Thomas Oluwa scoring for Athlone.
PREDICTION
1-1 Draw
Athlone Town
Injured: Micheal Schlingermann
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: Conor Clifford
