Waterford United v Athlone Town

• Alan Smith
• Thu, Oct 02 2008




These two sides have met on three occasions this year and each time it was a draw after 90 minutes. Waterford go into the game with a great aura of confidence in the camp after last weeks annihilation of Longford Town at Flancare Park.

The home side will be without Michael Foley who has a serious ankle injury while John Hayes is also doubtful. Speaking ahead of the game Gareth Cronin is somewhat optimistic "We have two big games coming up in Athlone and Sporting Fingal. We will have to continue to work very hard for every win."

Top scorer Vinny Sullivan and Corkman Dave Warren will be their main threat as they continue their quest to be promoted back into the top tier and Cronin admits that Warren was “without doubt the man of the match” in last weeks game against Longford.

Athlone are stuggling for form and haven’t won against Waterford since 2002 while struggling to win in the league since July and are strong outsiders from the bookmakers point of view at 9/1. The Mid-landers come to the south-east injury-free but will miss top scorer Noel Mc Gee who is on holiday and John Mernagh who is serving a suspension.

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: Judging by the form book and morale in both camps it would be surprising to see anything other than a win for Waterford as they push for the title. Athlone are struggling big-time and without Noel Mc Gee are short on firepower. 2-0 Waterford.