League Preview: Wexford -v- Athlone Town

Wexford FC

Wexford face a tough test at Ferrycarrig Park this Friday as they welcome fourth place Athlone Town to the South East (kick-off is at 7:45pm).

As it stands, Athlone lie four points ahead of the Slaneysiders who sit in sixth with 25 points.

Last week saw Wexford suffer a 2-1 defeat away to Longford Town, with a plucky 1-0 win away to Finn Harps coming before that.

James Keddy’s men have a rather respectable record over this week’s opponents, with victories in their last three meetings against Athlone in Ferrycarrig Park. Top goalscorer Aaron Dobbs has snatched three goals in his last three appearances against the midlands side.

Wexford have added to their squad after announcing two signings this week, both of which will be available for this game.

Young centre-back Cian O’Malley joins from the St. Patrick’s Athletic academy, linking up with former team-mates Reece Webb and Kian Corbally.

Joining Cian is midfielder Max Kelly – a prominent goalscorer with the Shelbourne academy.

The signings were announced following the departure of fan-favourite Jordon Tallon, who joined Treaty United earlier this week.

The side will be without Brandon McCann for this fixture after the influential midfielder received a late red card in Bishopsgate last weekend.

Athlone Town

The Westmeath side go into this fixture after suffering two defeats in a row at the hands of Cobh Ramblers and Treaty United.

Athlone, like Wexford, are chasing a promotion spot as the second half of the season rolls on, and are currently six points behind third place Cobh.

They too have strengthened their squad this week, with a host of new signings joining at a pivotal point in the season.

Midfielder Dan McKenna returns after a stint with the club in 2021, while Ghanian left-back Michael Peprah joins after playing in Armenia and Spain.

Versatile French midfielder Néhémie Lamtoukou also joins after playing college football in America with Merrimack Warriors.

Referee: David Connolly

Betting

Wexford 13/10; draw 23/10; Athlone 17/10

Prediction

Wexford FC 1-1 Athlone Town

Wexford FC:

Injured: Thomas Considine, Aaron Robinson

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: Brandon McCann

Athlone Town:

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: None