League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Wexford Youths
- Josh Dolan
- Fri, Apr 03 2015
ATHLONE TOWN
Eddie Wallace has enjoyed a successful start on the field to life in charge of the Midlands side. Wallace has seen his side win three of their four opening league games; against Cobh, UCD and Shelbourne.
The Town come into the game on the back of an impressive 3-1 away win at fellow promotion pushers Shelbourne, as goals from Garbhan Coughlan, Daniel Purdy and Eric Foley helped Wallace’s side to all three points at Tolka Park last weekend.
Aidan Friel and Michael Brown are set to miss the visit of the Youths through injury; Brian Shortall and Philip Gorman are both major doubts for the game; while defender Stephen Quigley is set to recover in time for the fixture after picking up a slight knock in last week’s win over Shelbourne.
WEXFORD YOUTHS
Shane Keegan’s side come into this one on the back of a hard fought win over UCD at Ferrycarrig Park last Friday night.
A first minute strike from top marksman Danny Furlong helped Youths to all three points despite having to defend for long periods of the game.
Overall, it’s been a mixed start for Keegan’s men. They opened the season with a defeat to First Division new boys Cabinteely, before a home defeat to local rivals Waterford United.
However, things have begun to turn around for the boys in pink, picking up victories away at Cobh Ramblers and also, last week, at home to UCD.
Dean Broaders will miss the trip to the Midlands after he sustained an injury set back in training during the week. Craig Wall is unlikely to feature after picking up an ankle knock while Craig Comerford and Eric Molloy will face late fitness tests to determine their fitness ahead of kick-off.
Referee: Michael Connolly
MATCH STATS
Danny Furlong is Wexford’s top scorer in the First Division with four goals.
The Lissywoolen side have won the last four league meetings between the sides.
Wexford’s last league win over an Athlone Town side came back in October of 2012.
BETTING
Athlone Town 21/20; Draw 23/10; Wexford Youths 5/2.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1-0 Wexford Youths.
Athlone Town
Injured: Aidan Friel, Michael Brown.
Doubtful: Brian Shorthall.
Suspended: None.
Wexford Youths
Injured: Dean Broaders.
Doubtful: Craig Comeford, Eric Molloy,Craig Wall.
Suspended: None.
About Josh Dolan
Josh Dolan is one of our Dublin based reporters, who also helps out with Extratime.ie’s administration tasks.
Josh, who was recommended to us by fellow reporters, joined the site as a teenager …