- Andrew Dempsey
- Thu, Aug 12 2021
UCD
UCD will be looking to build on some positive recent performances as they take on Athlone Town at the UCD Bowl on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Students rued some missed chances against promotion rivals Shelbourne last week, but they were able to secure another clean sheet as their playoff push gathers pace.
But their manager Andy Myler is expecting a stiff test against Athlone Town, however.
“All of the [games] are going to be tough,” Myler said. “There are still a lot of teams pushing for the playoff places.
“Athlone will be trying to get back into it and that won’t stop for the next 8 or 9 weeks. We just have to be at it again.
“We have to play as well or better than we did against Shelbourne. We need to be better in front of goal and be as good as we were in defence.
“That’s what we’ll be looking to do. We’ll be looking for repeat performances.”
UCD have no injury concerns heading into Friday’s game as Colm Whelan returns from suspension.
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town will be looking to arrest a concerning run of form as they take on playoff rivals UCD at the UCD Bowl on Friday night.
After a great start to the season, the Co. Westmeath side have fallen away in recent weeks, and they are five points behind the playoff positions with nine to play.
And should they lose at the Bowl on Friday night, that gap could rise to as many as eight points.
The Blue and Black of the Midlands even had to issue a statement last week denying reports that Adrian Carberry had left his role at the club.
After shipping 11 goals in their three games before last week’s visit to Cobh, Athlone picked up another clean sheet to steady the ship, but they know they need a win in Belfield on Friday night.
In terms of team news, Kilian Cantwell returns from injury.
Referee: Alan Carey.
MATCH STATS
UCD are unbeaten against Athlone Town since 2015, a run stretching as many as 19 games as the Co. Westmeath side have struggled against their First Division rivals.
The Students have only conceded once in their last 270 minutes of competitive football. Cian Murphy is the sole player to break through UCD’s back four since they switched to that back four system.
Athlone Town have only won twice in their last 14 games, losing eight of those games and drawing four of those.
BETTING
UCD 6/10; Draw 10/3; Athlone Town 3/1.
PREDICTION
UCD 2 - 0 Athlone Town
UCD
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Athlone Town
Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: None.
