FAI Cup Preview: Athlone Town -v- Drogheda United
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Sep 13 2024
ATHLONE TOWN
First Division Athlone Town will be looking to claim another FAI Cup scalp when they host Drogheda United on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Co Westmeath side reached the last eight of the Cup by virtue of a stunning third round win over Waterford.
And they can now make the semi-final of the competition for the first time since the 2020 season when they faced Dundalk.
But Athlone come into the game on the back of some poor form, losing their last four league games on the spin.
The most recent of which was a humbling 4-1 defeat against Finn Harps at home.
Dario Castelo’s side will be without suspended pair Dylan Hand and German Fuentes Rodriguez on Friday evening.
DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda come into this showdown with a point to prove after slumping to a 4-1 defeat away to St Patrick’s Athletic last time out.
But the Boynesiders were impacted by a red card shown to Luke Heeney in the first half as Chris Forrester, Jake Mulraney (twice) and Mason Melia all scored for the Saints.
Drogheda reached the last eight of the FAI Cup with home wins over Dundalk (2-1) and Wilton United (9-0).
In team news, Zishim Bawa is out for the remainder of the season, while Shane Farrell is doubtful as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained against Sligo Rovers last month.
Referee: Paul Norton.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1 - 3 Drogheda United
Athlone Town
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: Dylan Hand, German Fuentes Rodriguez.
Drogheda United
Injured: Zishim Bawa.
Doubtful: Shane Farrell.
Suspended: None.
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