League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Kerry

Athlone Town celebrate as they ease past rivals Longford Town 4-1

Athlone Town celebrate as they ease past rivals Longford Town 4-1 Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

ATHLONE TOWN 

In-form Athlone Town host Kerry as they bid to continue their five-match winning streak on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Co Westmeath outfit have defeated Treaty United (1-0), UCD (2-1), Longford Town (4-1), Ringmahon Rangers (1-0) and Cobh Ramblers (2-1) recently. 

And they are now sitting pretty in second place in the First Division by virtue of their scintillating form.

Boss Dario Castelo was also able to add to his squad before last Sunday’s transfer window, with former UCD man Michael McHugh and ex-Galway United midfielder Alex Byrne joining. 

Attacker Jamal Ibrahim, however, left the club for Longford Town.

KERRY

Kerry assistant boss James Sugrue insists the Kingdom are up for the fight against Athlone Town on Friday night. 

The Mounthawk Park outfit are yet to win away from home this season and will be hoping this weekend is the one where they can claim one.

Last weekend saw them fall to a 2-0 loss away to Cork City, with midfielder Ronan Teahan sent off late on.



“‘We are well aware Athlone are a very good side,” Sugrue said. “They were very good last year and have strengthened this year as well. 

“But we go up there with the same mentality again, same as we did against Cork. A good footballing side, a lot of speed. 

“They are on the top side of the table for a reason, so we know it will be tough. But like I say, we fear nobody, we will apply ourselves, go there with a plan and give it a good shot.”

Referee: Glen Geraghty. 

 

PREDICTION 



Athlone Town 3-1 Kerry

 

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A. 

Suspended: None. 

 

Kerry

Injured: Valerii Dolia. 

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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