Limerick -v- Athlone Town

Anything less than a win for the home side in this tie draws an end to their promotion hopes for another year as Limerick host Athlone Town on Friday night. (Kick-off 7.45 pm)

This First Division is remarkable. It just so happens that even the most probable of certainties can somehow seem like an insecure bet in the eleven team competition which see’s upsets almost every week. On paper, Limerick should win this one, and win it comfortably. Mike Kerley returns to Jackman Park looking for all three points in what he hopes will be yet another scalp in the rollercoaster ride that is the Airtricity League First Division.

Limerick have won their last four league games. This run included a late two goal salvo to pick up the three points against Shelbourne in Tolka Park. The Blues remain unbeaten in the league in their last eight league games, only dropping points in two of those fixtures. In most leagues in the world, this form would be good enough to see out a title winning campaign, but in the black sheep of football leagues, the second tier of Irish football somehow manages to surprise us yet again.

In their last league encounter, Limerick ran out winners in Fahy’s Field thanks to a late goal from Peter Hynes. The game looked out of Limerick’s grasp, as chance after chance was being parried away by Ger Hanley, but eventually the breakthrough arrived. Limerick will need to improve on their performance if they intend on keeping their winning streak going until the end of the season.

It’s been a rather bleak campaign for the visitors. One could say the ex-Limerick and Waterford United player has done well for the midlands club, but while still being able to finish ahead of Waterford, Mike Kerley will not give up until the last bead of sweat pours out from his player’s foreheads, and the season has come to an end. Athlone were rampant victors in their last game, hammering Mervue United by four goals to one; ex Limerick player Jason Hughes bagging a brace in that encounter.

These sides have already met twice in the league this year. The first fixture was back in April when Limerick ran out comfortable winners by three goals to nil. The second affair was much tighter, and if all self inflicted errors had been avoided, Athlone would have left Lisseywoolen with a point. However, Limerick stole all three points thanks to a slip from another player who found himself on Limerick’s books not so long ago, Brian Collopy. He appeared to misjudge the ball, and Sean Brosnan nipped in behind him to net from an extremely acute angle.

The turning point in Limerick’s year has been the introduction of Denis Behan. Already established as the clubs top scorer in the league, Denis’ goals have so often been the ones to grab the victories from out of nowhere. His presence will be missed on Friday night, as Limerick will have to look elsewhere for goals, as the ex-Hartlepool man has been handed a suspension following his series of yellow cards. Apart from Behan, and the list of long term injuries that have haunted the club all year, Pat Scully has a full squad to choose from.

Athlone will welcome back another ex-Limerick player into the side; Paul Danagher returns after his controversial sending off against Shelbourne a fortnight ago. Brian Collopy and Niall Scullion will miss the tie through injury, while Limerick born Davy Ryan will miss this tie, suffering from the same disciplinary ruling as Denis Behan.

All in all, expect drama. Limerick should have enough, but with many ex-Limerick players scattered through the Athlone ranks, which Limerick players will be celebrating tomorrow night?

Limerick FC:

Injured: Garry Sheahan, Dave Ryan, Brian O’Callaghan, James O’Brien, Shaun Maher.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Denis Behan.

Athlone Town:

Injured: Niall Scullion, Brian Collopy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Davy Ryan.

Referee: Keith Callanan.

Paddypower.com Odds: Limerick (1/6) Draw (5/1) Athlone Town (10/1)

Extratime.ie Prediction: Limerick 2-0 Athlone Town