League Preview: Bohemians -v- Athlone Town

• Tom Clancy
• Fri, Jun 27 2014




BOHEMIANS

A big win by the seaside two weeks ago, when Owen Heary’s men beat Bray Wanderers 5-0, meant that Bohs could take to the mid-season break feeling positive. That first League win since early April (when they beat Athlone Town) came hot on the heels of a narrow Cup victory against Limerick.

 

But Owen Heary knows that Athlone are no-longer the push-over they were during the spring. “Athlone got a great result against Drogheda before the break and they were unlucky against Dundalk. They’ve managed to turn around their League form”.

 

While Heary insists his side will be ‘taking it one-game at a time’, he must also be aware that his side are capable of reaching the top half with a good run. Anto Murphy (hamstring), Steven Beattie (ankle), Derek Pender (quad) and Dave Mulcahy (hamstring) all face a fitness test before being declared fit to play, with Beattie in particular showing real potential this season, following his return to Ireland from Norway.

 

The Gypsies home form has left a lot to be desired this year with points and goals hard earned at Dalymount Park. They have, however, managed to get their goal-difference back to 0, something which could yet stand them in good stead come the season’s end.


ATHLONE TOWN

Perhaps the mid-season break came at the wrong time for Athlone Town. The midlanders had just thumped Drogheda United 6-0 to make it back-to-back home victories. It sees Keith Longs charges just seven points adrift of UCD, and with an improvement in goal-difference.

 

They will relish the task on Friday evening, considering that Bohemians haven’t won a home League game since defeating Derry City last September. The tie is arguably one which Town must not lose, as it would open up a 12 point gap between them and Bohs, while also giving Drogheda and UCD the opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the basement club.

 

A notable lift in both performance levels and ultimately points should give Town followers encouragement, as should the fact that Athlone have given plenty of credible preformances against the sides in the bottom half, as well as picking up each of their seven points against sides they are chasing.

 

Graham Rusk and Aidan Collins look set to be the only two absentees, one at each end of the pitch.

 

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

 

 

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have failed to win any of their last 10 home league games, drawing five and losing five.

 

Jason Byrne and Dinny Corcoran have scored first on three occasions this season.

 

Athlone last won an away League game in September 2013, when they beat Salthill Devon. They’ve lost all eight on the road in 2014. 

 

 

BETTING

Bohemians 4/6, Draw 13/5, Athlone Town 17/4.

 

PREDICTION

Bohemians 1-1 Athlone Town

 

  

Bohemians

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Anto Murphy (hamstring), Steven Beattie (ankle), Derek Pender (quad), Dave Mulcahy (hamstring)
Suspended: None


Athlone Town

Injured: Graham Rusk (knee), Aidan Collins (shoulder).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None