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Athlone Town -v- Wexford Youths
- Alan Finn
- Fri, Apr 06 2012
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town will enter their game with Wexford Youths tomorrow night knowing that a victory would see them leapfrog their opponents into third place in the First Division table.
Mike Kerley will be without the services of long-term absentees Stephen Relihan and Roy King while Damien Rushe and Robbie Kelleher have been rated as 50/50 and are expected to be assessed before the game.
Athlone have one of the best defensive records in the League, conceding just four goals in their five league games to date, but they face a side who have the best scoring and defensive record, with eleven goals scored and just three conceded.
The Town are coming off the back of a 1-0 loss to pre-season title favourites Limerick FC, but results at Lissywoolen in recent seasons have been in favour of the home side who haven't lost to the Youths since April 2009.
WEXFORD YOUTHS
Wexford have been raising a few eyebrows already this season. They currently have the best scoring record, best defensive record and sit in third place just three points off the top spot. Not bad for a side who little was expected of for this season.
Shane Keegan has very little to worry about on the injury front, with Mark Phelan being the only doubt due to a head cold he has been carrying all week.
The Youths come into this game off the back of another win, this time a 2-0 victory over lowly Mervue United and Keegan has every right to feel confident. However, he sees this as Wexford’s toughest away fixture yet. "Our away performances haven’t been overly impressive so far but we have managed to take four points from six away from home, this is arguably the toughest of the away fixtures we have faced so far."
"Athlone are flying, they have had a very good start to the season, much as ourselves, they are a good side, they made steady progress last year. I’ve seen them play twice so far this season and they are good in every department, there’s no major weak spot but we are carrying a bit of form going into this and the way we are playing at the moment we wouldn’t fear anyone so we are looking forward to it."
Referee: Kevin O'Regan
MATCH STATS
Wexford Youths haven't won away to Athlone Town since April 2009.
The last game between the two sides ended in a 3-3 draw in Ferrycarrig Park.
Noel McGee is Athlone's top scorer in the League with three goals. Tom Elmes is Wexford's top scorer with five.
BETTING
Odds: Athlone Town 5/4; Draw 9/4; Wexford Youths 15/8.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1-2 Wexford Youths
Athlone Town Injury News: Stephen Relihan, Roy King.
Athlone Town Suspension News:None.
Wexford Injury News: Mark Phelan (Doubt).
Wexford Suspension News: None.
