First Division Playoff Preview: Athlone Town -v- Wexford

Dean Ebbe scored a first-half penalty for Athlone Town against UCD on Monday night

Dean Ebbe scored a first-half penalty for Athlone Town against UCD on Monday night Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town’s bid to return to the Premier Division after over a decade away begins on Thursday night when they host Wexford in the first-leg of their promotion playoff (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Co Westmeath came fourth in the First Division this season to ensure a second playoff finish on the spin under current boss Dario Castelo.

Though the Blue and Black have endured some patchy form recently having shipped losses against Kerry (2-0) and Cobh Ramblers (2-1).

But they have defeated runaway First Division champions Cork City during that spell 4-1 at home with striker Kyle Robinson netting a sensational hat-trick.

They have also been boosted defensively with Dylan Hand and German Fuentes Rodriguez returning from suspension.  

Athlone fell short at this stage of the playoffs last season but know they have plenty of tools in their arsenal to advance this time.

Should they do so, they will face the winners of the two-legged tie between UCD and Bray Wanderers in the First Division playoff final on November 2.

The winner of that will face Drogheda United on November 16th at 2pm. 

WEXFORD 



No side picked up more points than Wexford in the final ten games of the First Division this season, with James Keddy’s side establishing themselves as the second tier’s form side.

The Slaneysiders picked up 22 points from a possible 30, with champions Cork City claiming just 19.

Though the Leesiders did thump Wexford last weekend 6-0 at Turner’s Cross in James Keddy’s last run out with his side before the playoffs begin.

Despite that, Wexford do hold the upper hand on Athlone Town this term having won their two most recent games against the Co Westmeath side (2-1 & 3-2).

And Keddy’s side have also been boosted with the return of Darragh Levingston and James Crawford from suspension.

Referee: Oliver Moran. 



 

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1-1 Wexford

 

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended:None.

 

Wexford

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended:None.

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