League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Waterford

Blues boss Keith Long

Blues boss Keith Long Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

ATHLONE TOWN

First Division high-flyers Athlone Town welcome Waterford to the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night as they bid to keep their play-off hunt in check (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Blue and Black come into this clash off the back of an FAI Cup exit against Derry City last weekend.

Dario Castelo’s men fell behind in the first-half following Will Patching’s penalty.

But Athlone stayed in the contest until the latter stages of the game – although they did concede twice late on.

Brandon Kavanagh and Michael Duffy eventually put the gloss on a 3-0 win for Derry.

But Athlone can take confidence from that defeat despite going out as they face Waterford this evening.

The Town have yet to issue team news for the game.

WATERFORD

Waterford boss Keith Long will be hoping his side can build on a ‘professional’ performance against St Michael’s last weekend in the FAI Cup.



The Blues romped to an easy 5-0 win over their Tipperary opponents to set up a date with Cork City away in the next round.

And Long now has his eyes on a ‘big test’ against Athlone on the road this evening.

“It was a very professional performance [v St Michael’s],” he said. “We got ahead in the game and never looked back.

“We scored some good goals, could have got more and dominated the ball from start to finish. It was a really comprehensive performance and good win.

“We’re looking forward to getting back into league action on Friday.

“It’s a big game for us. Athlone are going well in the league so it’ll be a good test. We’ve got to make sure we’re prepared because this is another big game for us.”



Darragh Power and Dean McMenamy miss out through injury. Giles Phillips is suspended while goalkeeper Matthew Connor has left the club to join Bray Wanderers on loan.

Referee: Declan Toland.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0-3 Waterford

 

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

 

Waterford

Injured: Dean McMenamy, Darragh Power.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Giles Phillips.

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