League Preview: UCD -v- Athlone Town

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Mon, Aug 18 2014




UCD

UCD are gearing up to take on Athlone Town on Monday night in what is without doubt the biggest game in both teams season so far. Whatever the result come 21.40 on Monday, both sides will be left with a much better picture of where they stand in terms of the "race to beat the drop".

 

The Students are coming off a struggling performance against St Pats. The game finished 3-2 but the result undoubtedly flattered Aaron Callaghan's young guns as two late goals flew past Brendan Clarke to restore some respectability to the scoreline.

 

Speaking ahead of the game Callaghan demonstrated clear understanding of just how big a game this is going to be for his side.

 

"St Pats were by far the better side for large portions of the game on Friday and we only really threatened late on. Both us and Athlone are in a similar situation with both of us fighting desperately against the drop. They brought a lot of players in during the window which has made a real difference for them and has given them a huge lift."

 

The College are once again without the services of Dean Clarke, Thomas Boyle and Mark Langtry whilst Gareth Matthews suffered a neck injury on Friday night and is therefore labelled as a doubt for this clash.

 

On the bright side there are no more suspension worries for the UCD management team to worry about in the build up to this game.

 

ATHLONE TOWN

After a horrendous start to the Premier Division season that saw Mick Cooke shown the door at the Athlone Town Stadium, Athlone have really begun to push on under the influence of Keith Long. Having picked up a good result on Friday night to cut the gap at the bottom to just five points, this Monday night fixture has never been more relevant.

 

Athlone have arguably not been the most entertaining side to watch this season with goals only recently beginning to flow for the Leinster side. Despite their defence shipping 43 goals over the course of the season, 26 of which have come on the road, Athlone still shape up pretty well when you compare them to their fellow sides that are also embroiled in a relegation dogfight.

 

The Town have a goal difference of just -18 which says a lot when Monday's opponents, currenly occupying 10th place, have a minus 29 record. However Bray are the worst offenders as they have a shameful -31 goal difference to show for their efforts.

 

Referee: Paul Tuite

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Athlone have amazingly scored more goals than both Bray and UCD despite being so far adrift of the pack since the season commenced.

 

UCD's Hugh Douglas has more red cards than any other player this season with the centre back seeing red on three occasions.

 

Athlone amazingly lost their first ten games of the season whilst they had to wait till round fourteen to pick up a victory. That three points was earned against UCD on May 23rd when Kaelan Dillon and Sean Brennan netted for Keith Long's men.

 

 

BETTING

UCD 15/8; Draw 11/5; Athlone Town 5/4

 

PREDICTION

UCD 3-2 Athlone Town

 

 

UCD

Injured: Mark Langtry (Ankle), Thomas Boyle (Hamstring), Dean Clarke (Back)
Doubtful: Gareth Matthews (Neck)
Suspended: None

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: Unknown