League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Cork City

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town will be looking to close the gap on league leaders Cork City on Friday night when they host the Leesiders at the Lissywoollen (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Co Westmeath side are third in the table but are 12 points off City.

They also drew 2-2 at home to UCD last weekend despite racing into a 2-0 lead early on.

“We played a great side in UCD and now we play another good team in Cork.” Athlone boss Dario Castelo said.

“We started well but it was a difficult game, this week we know if we play how we can, we can create problems for any team.”

Enda Minogue picked up a knock during the game last week and a missed training so is a doubt.

Noah Van Geenen is being eased back to play and Dan McKenna is suspended.

CORK CITY

Cork City boss Tim Clancy insists his side are raced for a long trip to Athlone Town on Friday evening.

The Leesiders are top of the league and unbeaten in the First Division this season but face a stern test of their credentials this weekend.

They visit Athlone on Friday before hosting UCD on Monday at Turner’s Cross. If they win both their path back to the Premier Division looks clear.

“It’s going to be a tough three days for us. It’s a fairly difficult journey to Athlone,” Clancy said.

“It’s a long journey even with the roads leading there so we’ll be fully focused on that first. It’s on an astro turf as well so we’ll assess how we are for Monday after that.”

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1-1 Cork City

Athlone Town

Injured: Noah van Geenen.

Doubtful: Enda Minogue.

Suspended: Dan McKenna.

Cork City

Injured: Cathal O’Sullivan.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.