League Preview: Limerick -v- Athlone Town

• Tom Clancy
• Thu, Oct 02 2014




LIMERICK

An out of form Limerick face an Athlone Town side desperate for points, with kick-off in Thomond Park at 7.45pm on Friday. Much of the talk on Shannonside of late has been about the home of the Blues. A new low may be reached in-terms of attendance this weekend, but Chairman Pat O’Sullivan remains confident the Club will be in the Markets Field next season.

With Premier Division safety all-but mathematically guaranteed, Limerick have had some worrying trends; losing four of their last five games while failing to pick up a draw in any game since early May. Goal-scoring has also been inconsistent with Limerick failing to score in six of ten games since the arrival of Martin Russell.

Jason Hughes trained during the week as did Tony Whitehead and Joey N’do; the latter is yet to feature for Russell’s men. Meanwhile Jack Doherty and English full-back Robbie Williams remain sidelined with hip flexor and hamstring problems respectively. Williams is one of just three players over the age of 30 in the Blues squad this season.


Many players will know that several changes can be expected in the off-season, as the new manager looks to put his stamp on the team.



ATHLONE TOWN

If Athlone Town can manage to avoid defeat it will bring their unbeaten run to seven games. It will also mean that they will be off the bottom of the table for the first time this season. Despite failing to win since beating Limerick in July, Athlone have managed seven draws from ten League games since. Keith Long knows that a win would be vital in staying up this season.

UCD face a trip to Sligo on Saturday which will be watched with interest from Town followers, no doubt.

Kevin Knight is unavailable through suspension while John Mulroy and attacker Graham Rusk resumed training lately. Rusk has managed just one League goal this season, however. Barry Clancy is unlikely to be available for selection but should feature in the coming weeks.

With games against Dundalk and St. Pats ahead, Long will know that Friday is a massive game for the midlanders, who were written off in many quarters as relegation certs, after a horrible start.

Athlone were beaten 2-1 by Limerick in April, but were far too clinical for Limerick in Athlone, winning 3-0 against Limerick in July.


Referee: G. Kelly

 

 

MATCH STATS

Rory Gaffney (10) has seven more goals than Limericks next top-scorer (Shane Tracy & Tam McManus both 3)

Limerick have failed to win any game in which they’ve conceded first or trailed in.

Athlone haven’t won since defeating Limerick 3-0 in July.


 

BETTING

Limerick 11/8 Draw 9/4 Athlone Town 2/1

 

PREDICTION

Another point for Athlone 1-1

 

  

Limerick FC

Injured: Robbie Williams (hamstring), Jack Doherty (hip flexor) Shane Costelloe (back)

Suspended: None


Athlone Town

Injured: Stephen Quigley, Barry Clancy

Suspended:Kevin Knight