League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Athlone Town

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Jun 12 2015




CABINTEELY

Cabinteely welcome Athlone Town (kick-off 7.45pm) amid continuing uncertainty over who is to take control of the team, a common theme in the league this week.

 

Andrew Rice took charge of the team last week on an interim basis amid rumours the club had parted company with Eddie Gormley (Extratime.ie couldn't reach Cabinteely for comment and were then refused an interview postgame in Belfield). It was a harsh introduction for the club's schoolboy coach, who saw UCD put three goals in either half past his hapless side.

 

Rice may be forced to stick with 17-year-old goalkeeper Sean Hyland if Evan Whelan continues to struggle with fitness, while Ger Pender was also missing for the 6-1 reverse at UCD. Stephen Dunne is suspended after being sent off in Belfield, as is John McKeown, who has accumulated five yellow cards this campaign.

 

 

ATHLONE TOWN

Tuesday saw the first loss of the Alan Mathews era at Athlone Town, as Wexford Youths won 2-0 in a fixture re-arranged after a fire broke out during Mathews' first game in charge after taking over from Eddie Wallace.

 

The loss leaves Athlone six points adrift of Wexford in the second play-off spot, but a clash with the managerless side rooted to the bottom of the table represents the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways.

 

Mathews has a near full bill of health after Aidan Collins, Tom Mulroney, Gavin Boyne and Philly Gorman each made the bench for Tuesday's game, meaning Philly Hand is the only definite absentee.

 

Referee: Michael Connolly.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely and Athlone Town have met once this season, where an injury-time penalty from Philly Gorman salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to the league's youngest club.

 

 

BETTING

Cabinteely 9/2; Draw 5/2; Athlone Town 4/7.

 

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1 – 2 Athlone Town

 

 

Cabinteely

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Evan Whelan, Ger Pender.

Suspended: Stephen Dunne, John McKeown.

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Philly Hand (hamstring).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.