Athlone Town -v- Monaghan United

• Gareth Penrose
• Sat, May 14 2011


The first set of ten games played by all clubs in the Airtricity First Division will be completed on Saturday night as Athlone Town welcome Monaghan United to Athlone Town Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

Last week was Athlone's turn to sit out a round of games, however many of their first team were part of the DDSL Under 17 Major Division 1 League Cup win over Dundalk in the AUL last Saturday. Manager Mike Kerley welcomes back Gary Higgins and Jamie Carr both of whom have recovered from hamstring injuries. Stephen Relihan returns from suspension.

After seeing red against Limerick in the last league outing, Niall Scullion misses out. Paul Danaher is also suspended having reached a quota of yellows resulting in a one match ban.

Monaghan can move into second place if they can bag all three points from this game. Having watched his side concede very early last week, boss Roddy Collins was impressed with his sides fight back.

"Last Friday after a disastrous start of conceding a first minute goal against Limerick we gradually hauled ourselves back into the game and our performance particularly the final quarter was very encouraging and we deserved a share of the spoils."

Collins, who previously played with Athlone Town, will be without Paul Whelan due to suspension but Declan O'Brien is again available having served his ban. Monaghan have no injury worries ahead of the game, with Alan Byrne likely to recover from a knock received against Limerick last week.

Athlone Town
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Niall Scullion, Paul Danaher

Monaghan United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Alan Byrne
Suspended: Paul Whelan

Referee: James McKell
Paddy Power Odds: Athlone Town 7/2, Draw 12/5, Monaghan United 7/10
Extratime prediction: Monaghan to win 2-1