League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Longford Town

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Aug 02 2019




ATHLONE TOWN

Seeking to arrest their most recent slide, Athlone Town welcome age-old rivals Longford Town to Athlone Town Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Blue and Black of the Midlands have lost their last three on the bunce since their encouraging three-one win over Wexford at Lissywoolen.

Paddy Kelly, Dean George and Evan Pierce were on hand to see past the challenge of the Slaneysiders on that occasion who levelled early on the second half.

Nine of Athlone’s 16 points have come at home this season, with their promising early season form tapering off in dramatic fashion.

Athlone are a side to be fearful of however, with strong showings against the likes of Shelbourne and Cobh Ramblers going unrewarded for Terry Butler’s side.

Butler’s side have only won at home once since their opening day of the season win over Wexford, with their next coming against the same opposition in July.     

Athlone have not released any team news ahead of the visit of Longford Town.

LONGFORD TOWN

Searching for their first win on the road since May 3^rd, Longford Town make the short trip to Athlone on Friday evening looking to keep the pressure on champions elect Shelbourne.

While they have been imperious at home so far this season, De Town have struggled on their travels, picking up no points from their previous five away outings.

Their last win over Drogheda United saw Aaron Dobbs score a winner – his second of the season – on the stroke of half-time.

However, Longford have enjoyed the majority of the previous 14 encounters against Athlone, winning 11.

Their last defeat at Lissywoolen came in June 2013 when both sides were slugging it out for First Division glory.

Longford have scored on eight of their previous nine visits to Lissywoolen, with their last blank being drawn on their last defeat there.

Neale Fenn’s side have not released any team news ahead of the keenly-anticipated Midlands El Clasico.

Referee: David Keeler.

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town are winless against their fierce Midlands rivals since August 2013. The last time the Blue and Black of the Midlands came out on top over their Red and Black counterparts at Lissywoolen was in June of that year.

Longford Town have won eleven of the previous 14 meeting between the pair of First Division rivals, with Longford winning by over three goals on two occasions.

Terry Butler’s side have the worst home record in the First Division, only picking up 9 points from a possible 33 on offer. Longford on the other hand have not won away from home since May 3^rd.  

BETTING

Athlone Town 13/2; Draw 4/1; Longford Town 2/7.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0 - 2 Longford Town.

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

 

Longford Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.