FAI Cup Preview: Athlone Town -v- Ringmahon Rangers

ATHLONE TOWN 

Athlone Town welcome Munster Senior League outfit Ringmahon Rangers to the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

And the Co Westmeath will be confident they can progress with their impressive league form seeing them rise to as high as second in the First Division. 

They also claimed a routine 4-1 victory over local rivals Longford Town last weekend. 

Midfielder Aaron Connolly handed Athlone the lead on the stroke of half-time after Longford failed to clear a set-piece. 

And while there was little between the teams in terms of the scoreline when the hour approached, Athlone ran away with it soon after. 

Bastien Hery’s own-goal doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 65th minute. 

Defender Noah van Geenen then scored twice with hits in the 67th and 74th minute to pile the misery on their visitors. Jordan Adeyemo scored a consolation for Longford

Since then, Athlone Town have added Leo Gaxha and Kyle Conway to their ranks from Galway United and St Patrick’s Athletic respectively. Goalkeeper Enda Minogue remains out. 

RINGMAHON RANGERS 

Ringmahon Rangers enter this FAI Cup tie off the back of an FAI Intermediate Cup final defeat to Glebe North earlier this year, losing 3-2.

The Cork side are regulars at this stage of the cup but they will be keen to right the wrongs of their final defeat to Glebe. 

It was the first time Ringmahon had reached that stage of the competition. 

Evan Galvin and Aaron Ahern were both on target at Weavers Park that day, and they will likely be available for the Munster Senior League side against Athlone Town on Friday. 

Their boss Aidan Foley is likely to be able to call on the services of Anthony McAlavey and Issa Kargo (both formerly of Cobh Ramblers) on Friday night. 

Referee: Alan Patchell.

PREDICTION 

Athlone Town 3-0 Ringmahon Rangers

Athlone Town 

Injured: Enda Minogue.

Doubtful:None.

Suspended:None. 

Ringmahon Rangers

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.