Athlone Town -v- Longford Town

ATHLONE TOWN

Although the season is still in its infancy, Athlone Town’s promotion credentials would be significantly advanced should they secure a home victory over Midlands’ rivals Longford Town on Friday evening. A win in the Midlands El Classico could see them close to within three points of the First Division leaders.

Athlone returned to winning ways last weekend as Mark Sherlock’s early goal was enough to defeat SD Galway at Deacy Park. The Midlanders’ had three games without a victory but the win in Galway was enough to lift Athlone Town into third place in the standings alongside Wexford Youths.

Manager Mike Kerley has captain Noel McGee back from suspension after sitting out last week’s game against SD Galway. Mark Walsh is doubtful with a knee injury while Joe Woods continues to miss out with a knee injury after breaking down in training before the SD Galway game.

Stephen Relihan, who last week returned to action as a second half sub, will be pushing for a starting spot while Ian Sweeney and Damien Rushe have also pushed themselves into the mind of Mike Kerley after returning from long term injuries. Speaking ahead of the game assistant manager Padraig Moran said, “Longford have one of the larger budgets and a very experienced side but there wasn’t an awful lot between the teams in Flancare even though we didn’t play to the best of our ability. If we can play to our potential on Friday night we have a fair chance of getting a result.”

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town retained their position at the summit of the First Division by collecting all three points last time out; bouncing back from the surprise home defeat to Finn Harps by recording a convincing 4-2 victory over Mervue United.

Tony Cousins’ men have already seen off Athlone Town this term when Daniel Purdy and Mark Salmon netted either side of a Noel McGee goal in a 2-1 victory at Flancare Park on the second weekend of the season. A similar result at the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday evening would put nine points between the sides.

Longford Town have a clean bill of health for the match and Town boss Cousins expects a tough encounter: “Derby games are always tough and we’re expecting a tough game from Athlone; just like the match at Flancare earlier in the season. However, the most important thing is to focus on ourselves and play to a high level,” said the former Galway United manager.

Referee: Phil Caschera.

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town have the meanest defensive record in the First Division so far this season - conceding just six goals in eight matches. 

Scoreless draws between the two sides are a bit of a rarity as only two of the last eighteen editions of ‘El Grande Classico’ have ended 0-0.

Longford Town are the only remaining First Division side not to have been beaten on their travels so far this term.

BETTING

Athlone Town 12/5; Draw 11/5; Longford Town Evens.

PREDICTION

Longford Town, as Padraig Moran said, are the more experienced side and that should ensure that they record a victory in Athlone. Athlone Town 1-2 Longford Town.

Athlone Town Injury News: Joe Woods.

Athlone Town Suspension News: None.

Longford Town Injury News: None.

Longford Town Suspension News: None.