League Preview: Athlone Town -v- UCD
Willie O'Connor has enjoyed a solid start to life as UCD manager Credit: John Crothers (ETPhotos)
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town welcome play-off rivals UCD to the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Co Westmeath side drew against Longford Town last weekend but remain in the play-off hunt.
But they head into Friday’s game against the Students knowing that they will be without Ruben Candal and Noah van Geenen.
“We are not happy after the last game,” boss Dario Castelo said.
“We created enough chances but didn’t kill the game off. We have a very important but difficult game this week. We must continue to work hard for each other and this special club.”
UCD
Ten points behind leaders Cork City, UCD know they can ill-afford any more slip ups this season if they want to reel in the Leesiders and secure automatic promotion.
The Students were held to a 3-3 draw against Finn Harps last weekend but had to score late on to salvage a point.
They fell behind inside just one minutes when Sean O’Donnell opened the scoring.
But six minutes later they were level when Donal Higgins scored - although they were behind again before the interval when Success Edogun netted.
Ciaran Behan equalised on the hour for Willie O’Connor’s side - but Harps went ahead for a third time when Edogun scored late on.
But Eanna Clancy levelled at the death to salvage a point for UCD.
Ronan Finn returned from injury last weekend but Harvey O’Brien is likely to remain out.. Harry Curtis is suspended.
Referee: Daniel Murphy.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 0 - 2 UCD
Athlone Town
Injured: Ruben Candal, Noah van Geenen.
Doubtful:None.
Suspended:None.
UCD
Injured: Harvey O’Brien.
Doubtful:N/A.
Suspended: Harry Curtis.
