League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Finn Harps

ATHLONE TOWN

After snatching a late point against Bray Wanderers on Friday night, Athlone Town welcome Finn Harps to Lissywoolen on Monday night.

Dario Castelo’s side had to salvage a draw late on against 9-man Bray despite taking charge of the game during the first half at the Carlisle Grounds.

Frantz Pierrot put the Co Westmeath side in front before Chris Lyons netted twice to the Seagulls ahead.

But at the death Nehemie Lamtoukou was on hand to level and secure an improbable point for the visitors.

And they know that if they see off Harps at home tonight they will copper-fasten their place in the play-off positions – and move eight points clear of Harps in the process.

FINN HARPS

Dave Rogers’ side have improved since the arrival of several new recruits during the summer transfer window and they will be looking to build on that forward momentum.

Harps endured a rocky start to the season as they languished at the foot of the table with Longford Town but they have recovered well, like De Town.

And they are now just three points off the play-offs with 11 games to play.

The Co Donegal outfit may have lost Keith Cowan in recent days as well but they have been able to welcome back Ryan Rainey to the fold following a long-term injury that kept him out for the first half of the season.

With a win against Athlone Harps could rise to as high as fifth in the table while they may also drop to ninth if they lose and other results go against them.

Referee: Daryl Carolan.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 2-0 Finn Harps

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.