League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Wexford

Athlone Town goalkeeper Enda Minogue

Athlone Town goalkeeper Enda Minogue Credit: Thomas Flinkow (ETPhotos)

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone boss Dario Castelo admits his side have a ‘strong’ ambition to succeed this season ahead of their opening night clash with Wexford (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Co Westmeath side head into the new campaign off the back of a play-off finish in 2023 - which was the first time they contended for promotion since 2013.

But they have been unable to keep star forward Frantz Pierrot from last term - with the Haitian striker moving to Drogheda United.

Although, they have added to their ranks as Dylan Hand, Dean Ebbe and Jamal Ibrahim all joined with some rare League of Ireland experience in their squad.

“Wexford are a very good game to start the season with,” Castelo told extratime.com last week. 

“They have a very good team and coach - and the facilities they have are great. Let’s play and start. Let’s see what the season brings. 

“We always play to win but we know that anything can happen in football. Our motivation is very strong.”

WEXFORD

James Keddy’s Wexford are expected to be without defender Cian O’Malley for their trip to Athlone this evening.



The former St Patrick’s Athletic youngster missed out on most of pre-season for the Slaneysiders after nursing an injury.

Darragh Levingston - brother of former Bohemians skipper Conor - is also expected to miss out with a minor issue.

But Wexford will be buoyed by their off-season business this winter with Aaron Dobbs re-signing, while Mikie Rowe and Alex Moody have joined after spells with Cobh and Bray respectively.

They also secured a play-off finish last season and have been able to keep the bulk of their squad together with minimal fuss.

Talented midfielder Kian Corbally is also set to impress for the Ferrycarrig Park outfit this term.

Referee: Chris Sheehan



 

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1-2 Wexford 

 

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended:None.

 

Wexford

Injured:Cian O’Malley. 

Doubtful: Darragh Levingston.

Suspended:None.

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