Mervue United -v- Athlone Town

MERVUE UNITED
Mervue United will look to claim their first points of the season when they host Athlone Town in the Airtricity First Division at Fahy’s Field on Friday night. Following three narrow defeats in their opening three games, manager Johnny Glynn will be hoping his side’s luck can change to finally kick start the new campaign.
 

The home team will be without defenders Martin Conneely (groin) and Damien O’Rourke (achilles), while Noel Varley (concussion), Michael McSweeney (hamstring) and Alan Murphy will also miss out. On a positive front James Casserly returns from suspension and Gary Kelly will be available again having missed last week’s game due to a family bereavement and Marc Ludden will feature for the first time this season.

Glynn on Friday’s game “There was a lot of positive aspects to last week’s performance against Limerick and I felt we should have taken at least a point form the game as we were in control for long periods of the second half. Athlone have made a good start and will represent a big challenge for us on Friday night. Mike Kerley has almost the same squad as last year with a few key additions.”

ATHLONE TOWN
Mike Kerley’s Athlone Town side have already collected two wins from their opening three games with all three points secured against SD Galway and Finn Harps, while narrowly losing out to neighbours Longford Town in the midlands derby in their other competitive outing. On the back of last week’s excellent performance, a 2-0 win over Finn Harps, the midlands side find themselves in second position in the table with striker Noel McGee firing in three goals in as many games.

Kerley on this week’s away game "You always get a tough game against Mervue. As always we will be looking to work hard and play well and hopefully come away with a win. Failing that, you have to make sure not to get beaten and to take something from away games,"

Athlone will have travel west without Stephen Relihan, Damien Rushe and Robbie Kelleher who are all on the long term injury list, while Tommy Barrett and Mark Walshe are both doubtful.

Referee:  Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS
Athlone won all three meetings between the two sides last season which gives them a hundred per cent record against the Galway side during Mike Kerley’s reign.
 

Noel McGee scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Athlone Town in what was Mervue Utd’s first League of Ireland game back in Terryland Park in March 2009. He also scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Fahy’s Field last July.

Athlone have recorded four 1-0 wins over Mervue and six victories in total in the sides nine league meetings to date. Mervue have won only two, while the other ended in a 2-2 draw.

BETTING
Odds: Mervue Utd 6/5, Draw 11/5, Athlone Town 2/1.

PREDICTION
Mervue to finally get off the mark with a home win, 2-1.

Mervue United Injured: Martin Conneely (groin), Damien O’Rourke (achilles), Alan Murphy (ankle), Michael McSweeney (hamstring).

Mervue United Doubtful: None

Mervue United Suspended: None.

Athlone TownInjured: Stephen Relihan, Damien Rushe and Robbie Kelleher

Athlone TownDoubtful: Tommy Barrett and Mark Walshe

Athlone TownSuspended: None