Athlone Town -v- Shelbourne

• Niall Mooney
• Sat, Sep 24 2011




Title chasing Shelbourne will look to bounce back from last week’s late collapse when they travel to Athlone Town as the 2011 Airtricity League Division One season enters the final stretch.Kick off is 7.30 pm in Lisseywoollen.


The home side come into the on the back of a superb 2-0 away win at neighbours Longford, Town striker Noel McGee grabbing a brace (one from the penalty spot). Alan Mathews side come off the back of a shock 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Limerick. Philly Hughes had given them an early lead only for two late goals to inflict an unlikely defeat having controlled the game for long periods.


Shelbourne manager Alan Mathews gave his thoughts on the game to ShelsTV.com “We threw the game away, we dominated the game in the first half, should have had maybe another couple of goals but we didn’t get them.Our goalkeeper wasn’t called on really – he didn’t have to make any saves and then we don’t defend against two set pieces.That’s the only way they caused us trouble”.


“We should have finished the game off. It was a difficult game and give credit to Limerick– they kept pumping away. We knew what they were going to do and up to the 90th minute we dealt with it. Perhaps, with a little bit more composure we could have scored another goal in the second half, which would have seen us over the line, but it was not to be. Now we’ll just push on and prepare for the next game”.


Alan Mathews has a full squad to chose from with no suspensions or fresh injury worries to contemplate.Philly Gorman is set to take a position on the bench having worked his way back to fitness.


Recent proceedings point to the Dublin club returning home with the points, Athlone without a win in twelve against Shelbourne, the Red’s winning on eight occasions and the remaining games ending all square.


The home side wont be just there to make up the numbers in this end of season clash, Athlone trail fifth place by just five points and will feel they still have plenty to play for over the next month or so.



Manager Mike Kerley will have to select his squad without long term injured Niall Scullion while Brian Collopy who is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder remains a doubt.


Athlone Town
Injured: Niall Scullion,Brian Collopy
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.


Shelbourne
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.


Referee: James McKell
Paddy Power Odds: Athlone Town 11/1,Draw 9/2,Shelbourne 1-5.                                    
Extratime prediction: Shelbourne to edge closer to the title, 3-1.