League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Waterford
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Mar 10 2023
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town take on First Division title favourites Waterford at the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
Dermot Lennon’s side enjoyed a fantastic start to the season with wins against Longford Town and Finn Harps.
But a disappointing defeat away to Wexford has brought the Blue and Black of the Midlands crashing back down to earth.
Aaron Robinson netted twice for James Keddy’s side in Athlone’s heavy 3-0 loss – while striker Aaron Dobbs also got in on the act.
However, Athlone will take solace from Waterford’s stuttering start to the season and may eye another scalp against the Blues.
The home side have not issued any team news but they have no players suspended. Boss Lennon returns to the dugout.
WATERFORD
Danny Searle’s Waterford will be hoping that they can bring a swift end to their two-game winless run when they take on Athlone Town on Friday.
The Blues recorded a commanding 3-0 win against Wexford on the opening night of the season but subsequently dropped points against Longford Town and Galway United.
Their most recent clash saw them lose at home to John Caulfield’s Tribesmen at the RSC.
And speaking last week, their manager hit out at his side following their limp loss against Galway United.
He said: “People are not going to keep coming and following us around the country if the players are not playing for the badge.
“I know that it’s a cliché, but if you play for the badge on the front of the shirt people will remember the name on the back.
“There have been times where we have been a bit guilty of the reverse.
“Until we can show some real passion for the club and the people who work every day to make the club what it is…. We need to take accountability ourselves.
“We need to earn the right for the fans to keep supporting us.”
Matthew Connor is expected to miss out again through injury.
Referee: David Dunne.
BETTING
Athlone Town 9/2; Draw 7/2; Waterford 2/5.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1 - 0 Waterford
Athlone Town
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
Waterford
Injured: Matthew Connor.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
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