Athlone squad stretched to limits
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WITH such a young and inexperienced squad this season, Athlone Town's threadbare panel will be pushed to its limit for Friday's visit to Lissywoollen of First Division pacesetters Cork City.
Athlone have drawn their opening two league games, both away from home, after their maiden home game against Finn Harps was postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch.
Manager Mike Kerley has delved into the club's youth set-up to bolster the ranks this season, with the Limerick native handing first-team debuts to seven teenagers in the past few weeks, while youth team striker Robbie Murray has also started the last two games, having made his debut as a substitute towards the end of last season. However, Athlone's lack of strength in depth could prove troublesome this weekend, as unbeaten Cork come to town.
Captain Kevin Williamson was sent off in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Salthill Devon, so must sit this one out, while Gary Higgins - signed in pre-season from Limerick junior outfit Janesboro - has a hamstring problem and could miss two to three weeks. Higgins' loss will deprive Athlone of an obvious attacking threat, with the lively forward having already netted twice (including against UCD in the Leinster Senior Cup) in his short Town career.
To further limit Kerley's options, pre-season signing Bobby Tier still awaits his Athlone debut having picked up a knock during pre-season, while left-back Jamie Carr is also a huge doubt with a thigh problem. Kerley chose to rest several of his young guns last weekend, but the likes of Alan Coffey, Brian Gill and Roy King could come back into contention against Cork. Robbie Murray and fellow youngster Joe Woods are expected to retain starting places having each played the full game against Salthill.
Athlone assistant manager Padraig Moran said: "Losing Kevin (Williamson) is a very big blow, but I spoke to a few people who were on that side of the ground (to where his tackle against Salthill occurred), and they reckoned it wasn't a straight red card. Our squad is very light, so you need everyone available, especially for a game against Cork City.”
"But the young lads have no fear, and the manager has no fear putting them in. The manager is trying to be careful with the younger lads. It's important we don't ask too much of them too soon, but I'm sure a few of them will see action on Friday."
Moran also pointed out the importance to the Town at present in having experienced former Limerick duo Tommy Barrett and Paul Danaher steering the ship from the back.
"Those two lads are experienced and very good signings by Mike. They've shown up very well in the opening couple of matches, and Tommy is a fantastic leader. He's an excellent role model for some of our young players, and hopefully Tommy and Paul will produce the goods again against Cork," said Moran.
Athlone have drawn their opening two league games, both away from home, after their maiden home game against Finn Harps was postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch.
Manager Mike Kerley has delved into the club's youth set-up to bolster the ranks this season, with the Limerick native handing first-team debuts to seven teenagers in the past few weeks, while youth team striker Robbie Murray has also started the last two games, having made his debut as a substitute towards the end of last season. However, Athlone's lack of strength in depth could prove troublesome this weekend, as unbeaten Cork come to town.
Captain Kevin Williamson was sent off in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Salthill Devon, so must sit this one out, while Gary Higgins - signed in pre-season from Limerick junior outfit Janesboro - has a hamstring problem and could miss two to three weeks. Higgins' loss will deprive Athlone of an obvious attacking threat, with the lively forward having already netted twice (including against UCD in the Leinster Senior Cup) in his short Town career.
To further limit Kerley's options, pre-season signing Bobby Tier still awaits his Athlone debut having picked up a knock during pre-season, while left-back Jamie Carr is also a huge doubt with a thigh problem. Kerley chose to rest several of his young guns last weekend, but the likes of Alan Coffey, Brian Gill and Roy King could come back into contention against Cork. Robbie Murray and fellow youngster Joe Woods are expected to retain starting places having each played the full game against Salthill.
Athlone assistant manager Padraig Moran said: "Losing Kevin (Williamson) is a very big blow, but I spoke to a few people who were on that side of the ground (to where his tackle against Salthill occurred), and they reckoned it wasn't a straight red card. Our squad is very light, so you need everyone available, especially for a game against Cork City.”
"But the young lads have no fear, and the manager has no fear putting them in. The manager is trying to be careful with the younger lads. It's important we don't ask too much of them too soon, but I'm sure a few of them will see action on Friday."
Moran also pointed out the importance to the Town at present in having experienced former Limerick duo Tommy Barrett and Paul Danaher steering the ship from the back.
"Those two lads are experienced and very good signings by Mike. They've shown up very well in the opening couple of matches, and Tommy is a fantastic leader. He's an excellent role model for some of our young players, and hopefully Tommy and Paul will produce the goods again against Cork," said Moran.
