League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Kerry

High-flying Athlone Town will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the season when they take on Kerry at the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Gordon Brett’s side have won three of their last five games and they are sitting pretty in fourth position in the First Division table.

However, they were defeated by Treaty United in their last outing after taking a 1-0 lead at the Market’s Field.

That loss meant they slipped back to fourth from a lofty third in the standings.

But a home tie with basement side Kerry gives them an opportunity to get back to winning ways in quick time.

Noah van Geenen is ruled out for Athlone due to a suspension.

KERRY

Billy Dennehy brings his Kerry side to Athlone on Friday night as they seek their first win of the season, and as a senior League of Ireland club.

The Kingdom were edged out at home by Longford Town last week, losing 3-2.

And in their last clash against Athlone, Dennehy’s side were narrowly beaten at Mounthawk Park thanks to a late goal going against them.

“I am confident of getting results in every game to be honest,” Kerry boss Dennehy said. “The Athlone game at home was one that could have gone either way.

“We were going for it late on and we had chances. Athlone were the same and they took their chance.

“But the performance was very good and I said after the game that I would have been disappointed with a draw.

“To lose it was tough for the players given the performance they put in. There is so little in these games and little moments decide them.

“I suppose our inexperience at this level has cost us at times.”

However, Kerry head into Friday’s game without the services of Graham O’Reilly, Steven McCarthy, Wayne Guthrie and Jonathan Hanaffin.

Meanwhile, experienced defender Kalen Spillane has left the club and is unlikely to return due to work commitments.

Referee: David Connolly.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1-1 Kerry

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Noah van Geenen.                     

Kerry

Injured: Wayne Guthrie, Jonathan Hanaffin, Graham O’Reilly, Steven McCarthy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.