Athlone Town -v- Finn Harps

• Ryan Bailey
• Thu, Mar 15 2012




 

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone will be hoping to bounce back from the defeat they suffered at the hands of local rivals Longford Town as they welcome Finn Harps to Lissywoollen on Friday evening. Having picked up three points from their opening two league games, the home side will be hoping to climb the First Division table and close the gap on the top two. 

 

Town boss Mike Kerley has several injury worries heading into the game. Damien Rushe (Hip), Robbie Kelleher (Leg) and Mark Sherlock (Hamstring) all remain doubtful while Stephen Relihan is likely to be a long term absentee with a serious knee injury.

 

FINN HARPS

Like their opponents, Finn Harps have won one and lost one so far after claiming their first victory of the season with a 4-3 win over Mervue last Saturday. Peter Hutton’s side will be confident of getting a result at a ground in which they have a good record. 

 

Harps have a full strength squad to choose from as they travel to the Midlands with Keith Cowan the only player unavailable as midfielder Stephen O’Donnell is likely to return despite limping off during the win over Mervue. 

 

Speaking ahead of the game, Felix Healy told the club’s website that they need to improve and pick points up early. “Getting points on the board early is always important, for confidence as much as anything. Obviously Harps didn't start too well last season and it became a major issue inside and outside the dressing room.” The former Derry boss also added; “As the results of the first two weeks have suggested, there will be no easy games”

 

Referee: Adriano Reale.

 

 

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice at the Athlone Town Stadium with both clubs winning a game apiece by a single goal score line.

 

It took Finn Harps until the 13^th league game last campaign to record their first victory, co-incidentally it was against Athlone.

 

Apart from a 6-0 win for Harps in 2009, you have to go back over sixteen years for a game which was separated by more than a single goal.

 

PREDICTION

The history suggests it will be a tight game but both sides have conceded a few goals this campaign already; 2-1 Athlone

 

BETTING

Athlone Town 6/4; Draw 11/5; Finn Harps 6/4.

 

Athlone Town Injury News:  Damien Rushe (Hip), Robbie Kelleher (Leg), Mark Sherlock (Hamstring), Stephen Relihan (Knee).

Athlone Town Suspension News: None.

 

Finn Harps Injury News: Keith Cowan (Ankle).

Finn Harps Suspension News: None.