League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Athlone Town

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Athlone Town at St Colman’s Park this evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Rams slumped to a demoralising 5-0 loss against Waterford last time out.

But Shane Keegan’s side will be confident that they can respond when they take on Athlone in front of their home crowd.

“Our away game with Athlone was our poorest display of the season,” Keegan said this week.

“There weren’t any positives to take that night. They’re a strong side and the more I look at them the more I’m impressed.

“They have some fantastic players that maybe aren’t too well-known. If we are anything below 100% tonight, we won’t get any points.

“It’s been an excellent week at training and you have to be hopeful of taking something.”

The Rams remain without a number of names through injury, with Jack Doherty, Pierce Phillips, Issa Kargbo and Cian Browne all still out.

But Liam Kervick is set to return after missing last week’s game against his parent club Waterford.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town head to St Colman’s Park with more than a point to prove after their defeat against Kerry last week.

The Midlanders became the first side to lose to the Kingdom in the First Division – suffering a 3-2 reversal against Billy Dennehy’s side.

Kerry raced into a 2-0 lead in the first-half thanks to goals from Ryan Kelliher and Nathan Gleeson.

But Athlone did respond and were level again by the 68^th minute.

However, Kelliher struck late on to condemn Athlone to an unexpected loss as they slipped back to 5^th in the table.

Athlone have not released team news for Friday’s game against Cobh Ramblers.

Referee: Ray Matthews.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 2-0 Athlone Town

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Jack Doherty, Pierce Phillips, Issa Kargbo, Cian Browne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.