Salthill Devon -v- Athlone Town

• Simon O'Gorman
• Sat, Sep 03 2011


Bottom of the table Salthill Devon play host to Athlone Town on Saturday evening as they meet in the Airtricity First Division at Drom. (Kick off, 7pm)

In their second season of league football Salthill have seldom lifted themselves above last place but, at a club that must measure their progress by small steps, they are considerably closer to avoiding last place than they were last year. Tied at the bottom on ten points with Wexford Youths, a win over Athlone would offer a welcome boost to their hopes.

Salthill’s recent 2-1 win over Wexford ended a run of eight consecutive league defeats for the Galway side and, although a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Mervue United followed, they then managed to hold promotion candidates Limerick to a 1-1 draw.

The fact that Salthill have scored just 12 league goals in 2011 tells it’s own story but, if any more bad news were needed, seven of those goals were scored by players that are no longer with the club.

Athlone currently stand 12 points clear of Salthill in the table, having secured six league wins to their opponents two, but on recent form they are being outperformed by the west coast club. Mike Kerley’s men have lost their last four league games, including a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Waterford United three weeks ago.

The fact that Salthill have scored just nine times in eleven home games, while Athlone have secured a miserly five goals away from home, might indicate how this game will play out

The last meeting between these sides ended in a 2-0 win for Athlone, but the midlanders were helped on their way by an own goal and the concession of a penalty that was driven home by Kevin Williamson. Early in the season they played out a 1-1 draw at Drom.

Williamson is a doubt for Saturday’s game while Athlone boss, Kerley, will definitely be without Niall Scullion who is now expected to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Brian Collopy will also miss out with a shoulder injury while Wayne Colbert has returned to Junior football with Limerick side Janesboro FC.

Salthill Devon
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: Brian Geraghty, Paddy Quinlan.

Athlone Town
Injured: Niall Scullion (ankle), Brian Collopy (shoulder).
Doubtful: Kevin Williamson.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Adriano Reale.
Paddy Power Odds: Salthill 13/8; Draw 23/10; Athlone 11/8.
Extratime prediction: Salthill to nick this one 1-0.