Athlone Town -v- Cork City

• Simon O'Gorman
• Sat, Sep 04 2010


Tommy Dunne takes his Cork City side to Lissywoolen on Saturday night hoping to exorcise the memory of last weekend’s FAI Cup defeat, but will meet an Athlone side who are unbeaten against the Leesiders so far this season.

Cork’s last league outing ended in defeat against Waterford United, a result that effectively ended their chances of securing a promotion play-off and also put a stop to a run of four straight league wins. But Dunne will be hopeful that his side can tap into the improved form that has characterised the latter half of their season.

“Despite the results, our performances in the second half against Waterford and against Monaghan last week were encouraging. We won five out of six league games prior to the defeat to Waterford, so we will be looking to put the last two games behind us and go on a similar run again.”

Dunne will again be without long term injury victims Stephen Mulcahy and Cathal Lordan, and will also be missing the services of winger Billy Woods due to a hamstring injury. There are also doubts about George O’Callaghan who is suffering from a back problem.

Brendan Place on the other hand, has a full squad to choose from with the exception of Gordon Watson who will miss the remainder of the season following an operation on his cruciate ligament. Austin Skelly returns from suspension and defender Eoghan O’Shea also available.

Last time out Athlone beat Mervue United thanks to an Andy Haran goal and the Midlanders have lost only once in their last five league games. However, it should be noted that that win was their first in ten league games and that the shut-out against Mervue was the first since Athlone’s 1-0 win against Cork at Turner’s Cross way back in May.

Athlone Town
Injured: Gordon Watson.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Cork City Foras
Injured: Stephen Mulcahy, Cathal Lordan, Billy Woods.
Doubtful: George O’Callaghan.
Suspended: None.

Referee: J McKell.

Extratime prediction:Cork’s better recent form to prove decisive; 2-1 away win.