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League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Wexford Youths
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Jul 24 2015
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town welcome second-placed Wexford Youths to Lissywollen (kick-off 7.45pm) hoping to avoid a third loss on the bounce, having suffered heavy defeats to Cobh Ramblers and Shelbourne in their previous two outings.
The loss to Shelbourne leaves Athlone nine points adrift of the second promotion play-off spot, though with a game in hand, and six points behind fourth-placed UCD with a game more played, meaning defeat against Wexford could extinguish Athlone's faint hopes of returning to the Premier Division at the first attempt.
Alan Mathews' side will be without defender James O'Donnell after he was given a straight red card for a dangerous tackle at Tolka Park last week, while midfielder Marco Chindea continues to miss out as he recovers from a broken foot.
WEXFORD YOUTHS
Wexford Youths extended their winning run to five games with a convincing 3-0 defeat of Cobh Ramblers in Cork two weeks ago, and arrive in Lissywollen well-rested after last week's tie with UCD was postponed owing to the Students' European commitments.
Youths boss Shane Keegan used Saturday's friendly with Bray Wanderers, which the Wicklow club won by the odd goal in five, to welcome back the sizable contingent that had represented Ireland in the World University Games in South Korea.
Dean Broaders, Peter Higgins, Stephen Last, Eric Molloy and Andy Mulligan are all once again available after their Korean exploits, while new signings John Peare, Chris Kenny and Paul Cahillane are also in contention.
Referee: Michael Connolly.
MATCH STATS
Athlone Town and Wexford Youths have met on two occasions this season, with Youths winning 1-0 and 2-0 at Lissywollen and Ferrycarrig Park respectively.
The latter fixture was rescheduled after the original game was abandoned at half-time – with Youths coincidentally 2-0 ahead – due to a fire caused by a faulty generator.
BETTING
Athlone Town 13/5; Draw 5/2; Wexford Youths 10/11.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1 – 3 Wexford Youths.
Athlone Town
Injured: Marco Chindea (broken foot).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: James O'Donnell.
Wexford Youths
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
