League Preview: Limerick -v- Athlone Town

• Tom Clancy
• Fri, Apr 18 2014




LIMERICK FC

The Blues will have received a massive confidence boost following a well-earned 1-0 victory against Bohs in Dalymount Park last weekend. It marked Limerick's first win of the season and, while not a free flowing game by any means, a superbly organised defence kept Bohs at bay, somewhat at ease.



Expect Stuart Taylor to start with the same XI as his side look for their first home goal of the campaign. Despite the disastrous start made by the visitors, Taylor realises the threat Athlone pose “They’ll be well organised, dogged and hard working. They won’t make it easy for anybody.” He told Limerickfc.ie.


“The longer it goes on without a win, they’re going to work harder and there’s going to be some point where they’re going to get their first victory. We just need to make sure it’s not Friday night, be positive and build on last week.”


Thankfully for the home support, Danny Galbraith is nearing a return, while Mick Leahy played in the Munster Senior Cup semi-final victory over Rockmount last Sunday.


Limerick will go into the game as favourites, something which didn’t seem to help them on opening night as they drew with Bray Wanderers, but should the pitch at Thomond Park be in better condition, expect a better showing from the Munster men.
 

ATHLONE TOWN

Seven games in and the table makes for grim reading for Athlone players and fans alike. Despite winning the First Division with plenty to spare, the midlanders have failed so secure and Premier Division points as of yet.


Speaking with the Clubs website, athlonetownfc.ie, manager Mick Cooke remains positive and upbeat, despite the slow start; “I firmly believe my players are good enough to turn this run of results around hopefully starting with this Friday’s game.” Cooke enjoyed an impressive record over Limerick last season, albeit as manager of Drogheda United. The Dubliner won two and drew the other as Limerick failed to get to grips with United.


Town will be without centre-half stalwart Aidan Collins (shoulder) once again, while Neil Harney (dead leg) and Stephen Quigley (suspension) also miss out.

Despite their lack of points, those following Athlone can take positives from their goal scoring, they’ve managed eight, with a notable six on the road, including two against both Derry City and Drogheda United. So if they can tighten things up at the back, Athlone are capable of bridging that 6 point gap between themselves and Limerick.

 

Referee:  Anthony Buttimer

 

 

MATCH STATS

Last meeting: Limerick 1-0 Athlone Town (First Division, 28/09/2012)

 

Limerick and Longford Town are the only sides yet to register a home goal in 2014.

 

Athlone last failed to score on the road in a 1-0 loss to Waterford United on the 5^th of April 2013.

 

Sunday could potentially mark 18 years since the Midlanders won a Premier Division game.

 

 

BETTING

Limerick 4/6; Draw 23/10; Drogheda United 4/1.

 

PREDICTION

Limerick 2-1 Athlone Town

 

 

Limerick FC

Injured: Danny Galbraith, Shane Costelloe

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Aidan Collins (shoulder), Neil Harney (dead leg)

Suspended:  Stephen Quigley