Monaghan United -v- Athlone Town

• Andrew Cunneen
• Fri, Aug 05 2011


Athlone Town are the visitors to Gortakeegan on Friday night in which a win could see the Mons move clear into the automatic promotion spots. Mike Kerley’s men will do everything in their will to prevent that however, and are well capable of claiming a result. This one promises to be a close encounter. (Kickoff 8pm)

Monaghan United came so close to promotion last year under the guidance of Mick Cooke, and were all but secured a spot in the Premier Division this season during a licensing saga that lasted far too long for any Monaghan fan to endure. Eventually Galway United were granted their spot and Mons were left to re-group. Mons have been impressive under Roddy Collins and have also been the only side to have beaten Shelbourne this season. Automatic promotion seems like a very real possibility this season.

In their last encounter, Mons recorded an epic win in Limerick thanks to goals from John Reilly and David Byrne. That win saw them jump three points clear of Limerick, and into second place courtesy of goal difference. Mons last home game however, was a shock two-one defeat to Mervue United, so not all should be taken for granted in this one.

Athlone Town had their bye-week just before the break from league action, and will have that extra week’s freshness over their opponents. Their last league encounter was also against Limerick, where they lost one nil thanks to a Sean Brosnan goal. Their last home performance was against Wexford Youths; a game that was won comfortably by two goals to nil.

Their previous meeting was a three nil demolition in favour of Mons, but a much changed Athlone side will be available to Mike Kerley this time round, so we can expect a tougher test.

Both sides have a full selection to choose from, so we are in for a game of the highest possible quality between the sides.

Monaghan United:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

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

Referee: Phil Caschera.

Paddy Power Odds: Monaghan 1/4 Draw 4/1 Athlone 9/1.

Extratime prediction: 2-0 Monaghan.