- Josh Dolan
- Thu, May 14 2015
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone head in to this one on the back of the resignation of manager Eddie Wallace, following a 1-1 draw with UCD at The Athlone Town Stadium last Friday night.
Phillip Gorman was the man that headed Athlone to a hard fought point last week against promotion hopefuls UCD, meaning that the resignation of Wallace was a surprise to most.
However, due to Wallace's departure player/assistant manager Aidan Collins has been joined by Gary Zambra and Chris Bennion in putting the players through their paces this week ahead of Friday night's tie with Shelbourne.
Goals from Garbhan Coughlan, Eric Foley and Daniel Purdy helped the Midlanders to all three points in Dublin earlier on this season and the Town will be hoping for more of the same when the Reds come to town on Friday.
Aidan Friel and Phillip Hand will continue to miss out through injury, while midfielder Eric Foley will have to sit this one out after being sent-off in the second half of last week's draw with UCD.
SHELBOURNE
Shelbourne will be looking to record back to back wins for the first time this season, as they travel to The Athlone Town Stadium this Friday evening.
Last Friday night saw the Reds pick up their first win in seven games, as a first half goal from defender Adam O'Connor helped Shels to a win over First Division new boys Cabinteely.
Recent results, including defeats to UCD, Cobh and Finn Harps had seen Shels boss Kevin Doherty's job come under scrutiny, but the ex-Shelbourne defender will now be hopeful that his side can gain confidence, put a run of results together and turn their season around.
Simon Dixon will miss Friday night's game and the remainder of the season after picking up a serious injury on the opening night of the season against Finn Harps, while Jack Brady will also miss out after picking up a strange injury in the vicinity of his home earlier on this week.
Referee: Michael Connolly.
MATCH STATS
Shelbourne are unbeaten in their last five trips to Lisywoolen.
Athlone have conceded just four goals this season. Only Finn Harps and Wexford Youths have conceded less.
Shels haven’t won in their last four away games.
BETTING
Athlone Town 5/4; Draw 9/4; Shelbourne 15/8.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1-1 Shelbourne
Athlone Town
Injured: Aidan Friel, Phillip Hand.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Eric Foley.
Shelbourne
Injured: Simon Dixon, Jack Brady.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
