League Preview: Athlone Town -v- UCD

• Dave Donnelly
• Sat, Sep 05 2015




ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town welcome UCD to Lissywollen (kick-off 7.45pm) hoping to arrest a five-game losing streak in all competitions (not counting the drawn cup tie) that has ruined their hopes of returning to the Premier Division at the first attempt.

 

The penalty shoot-out loss to Junior side Sherrif YC in the FAI Cup ended Alan Mathews' side's chances of a competitive finish to the season, and Town were only able to field four substitutes for their loss to Cobh Ramblers last Saturday.

 

A loss to UCD will have little effect on Athlone's league standing as they sit five points behind fifth-placed Cobh and nine points clear of seventh-placed Cabinteely, but a positive result could ensure they have some say in the race for promotion.

 

UCD  

UCD's incredible 17-game unbeaten league run finally ground to a halt at Tolka Park as new Ireland under-19 call-up Daire O'Conchubhair's second-half goal wasn't enough to escape loss to Shelbourne.

 

The loss leaves UCD two points adrift of Finn Harps and four behind leaders Wexford Youths – though, crucially, they have two games to come against the table toppers, but will aim to start with victory over the side they beat 3-1 in Belfield three weeks ago.

 

Referee: Robert Hennessey.

 

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town and UCD have met three times this season. Athlone won the first meeting at the UCD Bowl thanks to late goals from Philly Gorman, and the return game in Lissywollen was drawn 1-1, with yet another late Gorman goal snatching a draw for Athlone.

 

The most recent meeting of the sides at the UCD Bowl saw second-half goals from Gary O'Neill, Mark Langtry and Daire O'Conchubhair overturn Sam O'Connor's first-half leader, with midfielder Thomas Mulroney's red card the turning point.

 

BETTING

Athlone Town 6/1; Draw 16/5; UCD 2/5.

 

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0 – 4 UCD

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Marco Chindea (foot), Robbie Gaul (knee).

Doubtful: Aidan Collins (hamstring), Jamie O'Neill (knee), Daniel Purdy, Brian Shortall (shoulder).

Suspended: Thomas Mulroney.

 

UCD

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Daire O'Conchubbhair, Dylan Watts (International duty).