Preview: Athlone Town vs Waterford United

• Paul Mehigan
• Fri, Mar 21 2008




Still smarting from the bloodied nose inflicted by last week's late Longford equaliser, Waterford United head to Lissywoollen this evening with the intention of departing Athlone with three points in tow.

Despite showing his obvious disappointment with last week's result, Blues' boss Gareth Cronin maintained that his side want to 'remain unbeaten for as long as possible' and has earmarked Athlone, who are not expected to challenge for honours this season, as a strong possibility for a maximum haul.

Cronin must plan without pint-sized marksman Willy John Kiely who has to sit out the clash due to a suspension carried over from last season. Kiely has made only cameo appearances this season and his exclusion should not have too big an impact on Waterford.

Club captain John Hayes returns after suspension but he may find himself watching from the sidelines due to an impressive performance, for the most part, from Kenny Browne and David Breen at the RSC last week. In that case, Cronin's only real selection headache should be whether to start the still not match-fit Michael Foley in place of Kevin Waters.

The outcome of that decision may rest on how Cronin sets up his team. In the season-opening clash at Ferrycarrig Park, the Cork native opted for the 4-5-1 formation that he has traditionally favored for saunters beyond the Suir. Against Longford, Cronin went for a more traditional 4-4-2 shape but in the event that he reverts to type, Karl Bermingham may find himself shunted out wide with Vinny Sullivan leading the line alone. In that eventuality Foley will make up a central midfield three with Warren and Fitzpatrick while Paul McCarthy will complete the quintet.

Athlone's season got off to a belated start last week with a disappointing, albeit predictable in the circumstances, 2-0 defeat against Sporting Fingal. Dermot Lennon will have to plan for this game without the suspended pair of Niall Scullion and Anthony Hayes so a share of the spoils here would represent a decent return for the Midlanders.

Waterford would view such a result less favorably while defeat for them is unthinkable. With expected fellow promotion chasers Shelbourne and Dundalk chalking up their first victories of the campaign last weekend, the Blues will be more than aware that any slip ups against the rest could put a severe dent in their title challenge.

Kick off is 7:45pm at Lissywoollen.