Waterford United -v- Athlone Town

• Brendan White
• Fri, Aug 12 2011


Athlone Town make the trip to the RSC on Friday night to face Waterford United with both teams looking to ignite poor seasons to date. Kick-off 7.45pm.

The home side had been expected to challenge for promotion but instead find themselves in a mid table battle for sixth place. Athlone’s policy to blood young players has been complimented by some additional experienced players brought in during the transfer window and they sit just four points behind Waterford.

Last weekend saw Waterford United lose out to Munster rivals Limerick in the RSC with two Denis Behan goals enough to cancel out Conor Sinnott’s strike. Athlone also went down last weekend when they lost 1-0 to Monaghan United.

Defenders Kenny Browne and Seamus Long return from suspension for Waterford United, but left full back Michael Coady remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Striker Willie John Kiely is still struggling to shake off a knee injury and is not likely to feature.

"We had to play a young team tonight due to injury and suspensions. To concede a goal just before half time was disappointing and it made our task even harder. I think their second goal was rough justice because the ball appeared to get caught under David Breen", Blues boss Paul O’Brien said.

"When we pulled a goal back we went for three at the back and we forced Limerick to play long balls. I can tell you that not one player in our team is down hearted. They appreciate what we are trying to do and the spirit in the camp is great. We will have to tighten up at the back, that's for sure but they are a fine group of players and we will get thing right very soon.''

For Athlone Town, Mike Kerley has no suspensions or injuries that are likely to give him selection worries leading into the game leaving him for the second week running with a full squad to choose from.

Previous games between the sides have been tight affairs. The first meeting of the teams this season in the RSC ended as a scoreless draw. In the second series of games it was The Blues who came out on top 3-0.

Waterford United
Injuries: Willie John Kiely
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None

Athlone Town
Injuries: None
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None

Referee: Sean Grant
PaddyPower odds: Waterford United 4/9 Draw 11/4 Athlone Town 6/1
Extratime Prediction: Waterford United to win by a single goal.