League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Longford Town
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Oct 20 2023
ATHLONE TOWN
A nerve-shredding night is in store for Athlone Town when they welcome Longford Town to the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Co Westmeath sit in the final play-off place and are on course to seal their place in the series – but recent defeats have called that into question.
Dario Castelo’s side have lost their last four games in a row and are now just two points ahead of Treaty United and three clear of Bray Wanderers.
That means they need to win against Longford to seal a top-five finish.
But a draw might even be enough if Waterford avoid defeat against Treaty. Or even if the Blues lose, Treaty would have to overcome a deficit in the goal difference stakes to finish ahead of the Town.
Although, if they lose – Treaty would just need to win against Waterford to finish fifth. But even if the Shannonsiders do not win, Bray may sneak in – mathematically at least.
The Seagulls can only finish fifth if they defeat Finn Harps and overturn an eight-goal scoring difference deficit.
LONGFORD TOWN
With little else to play for except for pride, Longford Town will be hoping to strike a fatal blow to Athlone Town’s play-off hopes.
Longford all but ended Bray Wanderers’ ambitions last weekend with a 2-2 draw at Bishopsgate – but if they do the same to Athlone it would be even sweeter.
Their boss Stephen Henderson has made no secret that he wants to improve things at the club ahead of next season and he has already gone about trying to build a squad to do so.
“I have started talking to a few players already and they've all indicated that they want to stay so that's positive,” he said last week. “But at the same time, I never believe it until they actually sign that piece of paper.
“The indications are strong that the players we are looking to hold onto for next year will stay. We have to try to enhance that group with some new players.
“I've already begun that process. I've already spoken to six or seven players who have been impressed by Longford and they have indicated they'd like to be part of it.”
Referee: Alan Patchell.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1-2 Longford Town
Athlone Town
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
Longford Town
Injured: Shane Elworthy.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
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