Athlone Town -v- Mervue United
Credit:
ATHLONE TOWN
Roddy Collins begins his new managerial adventure at Athlone Town on Saturday as they welcome Mervue United to the Athlone Town Stadium for their opening game of the 2013 season (kick-off 7.45pm).
A number of u19 players have been brought through to Athlone’s senior squad along with six local men who have been retained for the season. Ireland u19 international Ryan Coombes is just one of those expected to improve things this season.
Town finished sixth last season, and won only eight games, which is something Collins will be hoping to improve.
As far as injuries go, Barry Clancy is a concern for Roddy as he suffers from a bruised foot, while both Philip Gorman and Jonathan Kelty are recovering from injuries. Warren Conroy misses out through suspension.
MERVUE UNITED
Johnny Glynn’s Mervue United already have one competitive game under their belt, having come through their EA Sports Cup first round game against Cockhill Celtic with a 2-1 win.
Mervue finished seventh in the First Division in 2012, just one place below Athlone, and just one place above the bottom. The Galway side recorded a total of 17 losses in the league last season, something they will not want to repeat this year.
Glynn will be without defender Stephen Walsh who is serving a two game suspension after being sent-off in the final game of last season. Jason Molloy and Noel Varley return from suspension. And Shane Keogh returns after being unavailable for the cup game. New signings Gary Curran, Joe Woods and Ross Kenny are all expected to feature.
Speaking about the game, Johnny Glynn is full of confidence in his side: “We are looking forward to getting back into action for the new season and face a tough opening game away to Athlone, who look to be one of the favourites for promotion this season. Roddy Collins has assembled a good squad and will be looking to get their campaign off to a winning start but we have done well in pre-season and had a tough competitive game against Cockhill last weekend, so we will go there with the confidence to get a good result on Saturday night.”
Referee: A. Sherlock.
MATCH STATS
It was honours even between the two sides last season: Two wins for Athlone, and two wins for Mervue.
In their last ten meetings, Mervue have won three, while Athlone have won seven.
Both sides drew five games last season.
BETTING
Athlone 10/11; Draw 9/4; Mervue 13/5.
PREDICTION
A 2-0 win for Athlone.
Athlone Town
Injured: Barry Clancy (bruised foot).
Doubtful: Philip Gorman, Jonathan Kelty.
Suspended: Warren Conroy.
Mervue United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Stephen Walsh.
