Cork City -v- Athlone Town

• Eoin Manning
• Fri, Jun 10 2011


Tommy Dunne’s high-flying Cork City welcome Athlone Town to Turner’s Cross this Friday evening eager to maintain their excellent recent form, knowing that a favourable run of results could guide the Rebel Army to the top the First Division table (Kick Off 7:45pm).

Despite the game ending in a stalemate when the sides met at the Athlone Town Stadium in late March; Cork go in to this game as big favourites buoyed by Monday’s surprise 2-1 victory over St.Patrick's Athletic in The EA Sport’s Cup.

Athlone have enjoyed a very mixed run of form this season, impressing at times and frustrating at others but have managed to keep a safe distance between themselves sand those at the bottom of the table thanks to some important victories.

However a victory on Friday night will be particularly difficult to come by with news that five first-team regulars will be missing through a combination of injury and exam commitments.

Though City manager Dunne is not expecting any favours from counterpart Mike Kerley:

“Athlone will be well-organised as they were the previous time we met, and will be difficult opponents for us, but we are the home side and we are hoping to pick up three points in the fixture. We played extremely well last Monday, and I want us to pick up where we left off and carry that form through into tonight’s game.”

Adding: “Our first meeting with Athlone this season ended in a scoreless draw in what was a frustrating game from our point of view. Since then, I think we have improved and I believe we are certainly capable of getting a victory tomorrow night.”

Dunne’s second placed outfit will be eyeing a return to the Premier Division at the second time of asking this season and the recent acquisitions of Craig Burns, Danny Morrissey and Eoin McGreevy from the underage set-up will have supporters expecting a bright future for the League of Ireland giants.

While The Town themselves have been active in the transfer market in recent weeks signing Noel McGee, Kevin Dunne, Declan Fallon and Mark Walsh, who should all be eligible to play this weekend, and will also have the aim of pushing for promotion in the coming years though this season is clearly one of stabilising and planning.

Athlone play some attractive football and more than held their own at times in Monday’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers but the men from the Rebel County should have too much for Kerley’s young charges.

Cork City:
Injured: None
Doubtful: Gearóid Morrissey (Groin).
Suspended: None

Athlone Town:
Injured: Brendan Daly (Back), Gary Higgins (Hamstring), Joe Woods, Ian Sweeney and Robbie Murray (All Leaving Cert).
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None

Referee: Stuart Templeman

Paddy Power Odds: Cork 2/9, Draw 4/1, Athlone 11/1.

Extratime prediction: 2-0 home win.