Waterford United -v- Athlone Town

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, Apr 13 2012




 

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United’s league season began horribly while Athlone Town began their campaign with nine points taken from their first four league games. In the meantime, however, the two sides found themselves meeting in mid table as Waterford recovered some of their poise and the midlanders lost some of their early momentum.

 

Having opened with a shock 6-0 defeat to Wexford, the Blues won their next two games, both at home, before losing to Longford Town and Finn Harps, and last weekend they earned their first away point with a scoreless draw at Mervue United.

 

Blues boss Paul O’Brien will be without Adam McSherry, Gary Keane and David Breen for this fixture, all out through injury, while striker Willie John Kiely remains a doubt. However, O’Brien will have utility man Seamus Long back in his squad after suspension.

 

Despite dropping two points at Fahy’s Field O’Brien felt his side performed well showed enough to suggest that matters will improve over the coming weeks. “We didn't take the full points I felt a disciplined performance deserved”, he said. “We were solid at the back and created numerous chances up front which was pleasing. The fact that we didn't score was the only negative on the night, and if we can keep getting our injured experienced players back I'm confident we can put a run together”.

 

ATHLONE TOWN

Mike Kerley will also be reasonably pleased with the early form of his side but having lost their last two league games, both at home, to Limerick FC and Wexford Youths, the Athlone boss will know that a positive result at the RSC would go a long way to restoring confidence and momentum.

 

Kerley has no suspensions to worry about for the trip south but he will again be without Damien Rushe and Stephen Relihan, who are both out injured. Youngsters Ian Sweeney and Roy KIng will also miss out and while there are a number of minor knocks within the squad none of these are expected to rule players out.

 

With three wins and three defeats from their opening six league games, Athlone are still in a position to threaten the top teams and a win on FRiday could elevate them back into third place, providing other results go their way.

 

Referee: Adriano Reale

 

 

MATCH STATS

Only one of Athlone’s league games this season has been decided by more than a single goal; their 2-0 home win over Finn Harps.

 

Waterford had the better of the meetings between the sides last year. Having played out a scoreless draw at the RSC on the opening night of the season, the Blues won 3-0 at Lisseywoolen and 5-1 in their final game back at the RSC in August.

 

Waterford have not lost a league game to Athlone since they were relegated to the First Division at the end of the 2007 season.

 

BETTING

Waterford 8/11; Draw 12/5; Athlone 10/3.

 

PREDICTION

It’s hard to call but home advantage may be the decider. 1-0 to Waterford.

 

Waterford Injury News: Adam McSherry, Gary Keane, David Breen. Willie John Kiely (doubt).

Waterford Suspension News: None.

 

Athlone Injury News: Damien Rushe, Stephen Relihan, Ian Sweeney, Roy King.

Athlone Suspension News: None.