League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Cork City

Colin Healy

Colin Healy Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)

ATHLONE TOWN

Despite their current standings, Athlone Town are probably one of the in-form sides of the First Division. One defeat in their last six games has seen them move clear of the bottom of the table. Their win away to Galway United may have been important in terms of confirming Cork City as champions, but it was a further demonstration of the confidence within the side.

Adam Lennon and a late Thomas Oluwa winner proving to be the difference against their near neighbours. They might be expected to provide a guard of honour for the new champions but will be aiming to get one over them tomorrow night.

It would be a due reward for a side who have had plenty of good moments earlier on in the season, but without success. Oluwa might be getting much of the acclaim at the moment for hitting double figures.

He has been ably assisted by the likes of Lennon, Aaron Connolly and Patrick Hickey. With a good end to the season, they could well be in contention for the play-offs come next season. Especially if they can keep hold of their star players.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

CORK CITY

Last weekend may have seen Cork City notch up another home draw but ultimately it was enough for them to secure promotion back to the top-flight. They can now start planning to come up against the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Dundalk next year.

They would hope to end the season in style for their final two games. It could well see some of their squad players getting game time. They have been excellent on the road throughout the year, suffering only one defeat. They will hope to keep that up.

Healy rejected any suggestions of taking it easy though. “I’ve said it before but they are professional footballers so they will be going up there to win the game. That’s what we want. It will be no difference tomorrow night. We’ve won the league, and people might think there is nothing to play for, but when are with Cork City you go out there and do your best”.

He also hinted that some younger players might feature. “You’ll have to see! We have some younger players training with us at the moment, so if they do start or come on it will be great for them”.



Referee: Kevin O’ Sullivan

MATCH STATS

The Leesiders have come out on top in all three encounters so far between the sides this season.

A pair of routine wins at Turners Cross went as expected. The away game was a much tougher affair, however.  Thomas Oluwa netted within the first minute to give Town a shock lead. Cian Murphy netted an equaliser, but Harrington was forced to save an Oluwa penalty moments later. Aaron Bolger netted a screamer in the final minute to win it. It stretched Athlone’s poor form against Cork. Indeed, it is 30 years since they triumphed at home to them.

BETTING

Athlone Town 9/2; Draw 14/5; Cork City 1/2



PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0-2 Cork City   

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Cork City

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: David Harrington

Suspended: Colin Healy

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile