League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Athlone Town

• Josh Dolan
• Fri, Aug 28 2015




COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh will be hoping to bounce back after their 3-0 defeat away to title chasers UCD a fortnight ago when they welcome Athlone to St Colman's Park on Saturday night.

Since Henderson's appointment early on in the season there has been a real sense of solidity amongst the Ramblers ranks.  In fact, that solidity has helped the ex-Waterford boss to help his club up to fifth in the table with 25 points - a remarkable achievement when you consider he took over after the team had succumbed to four defeats early on in the season.

The game does hold a positional significance for Ramblers, who will be looking to maintain their fifth placed spot by avoiding defeat to sixth placed Athlone.

 

 

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone's focus shifts back to the league this Saturday as they travel to St Colman's Park.

Alan Matthews' men suffered a shock at the hands of non-league outfit Sherrif YC after the North Dublin outfit defeated Athlone 4-3 in a penalty shootout after their Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup replay finished scoreless at the Athlone Town Stadium on Monday night.

The Midlanders haven't exactly been in great form in the league either.  Matthews has watched his side lose to UCD, Waterford and Cabinteely in recent weeks, so he'll be praying that his side can end this short duck in form and record their second win over Cobh this season.

Thomas Mulroney's red card away at UCD means that he will miss out through suspension. Robbie Gaul will miss the rest of the First Division campaign, as he recovers from a number of long term injury problems; Marco Chindea is also out, although he has returned to training in recent weeks following a broken foot.

Brian Shortall is a doubt for the game, however he is nearing a return and could play after recovering from a broken shoulder.  Aidan Collins, Jamie O'Neill and Daniel Purdy are also doubts for the trip after picking up knocks in their recent cup fixtures against Sheriff YC.

 

Referee: Andrew Mullally

 

 

MATCH STATS

Athlone have won just once in their last five games on the road.

Cobh have lost just once in their last five home fixtures.

Cobh frontman Stephen Kenny has netted four of his team's last seven goals. 

 

 

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 7/5; Draw 23/10; Finn Harps 13/8.

 

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1-1 Athlone Town.

 

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Robbie Gaul, Marco Chindea.

Doubtful: Brian Shortall, Aidan Collins, Jamie O'Neill, Daniel Purdy.

Suspended: Thomas Mulroney.