League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Longford Town

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Mar 22 2024




ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town boss Dario Castelo has called on his side to be united ahead of their first derby of the season against Longford Town tonight (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Co Westmeath side enjoyed plenty of derby day delight against De Town last season, winning three games and drawing once. 

But they have struggled to reach the same levels this season and are winless in their last four league games. 

“It is in difficult times that you see the strength of the Athlone Town family and fans and the character of the professionals, from the players, coaches, and staff. All together and united this Friday night for another important game,” boss Castelo said.

Athlone Town will still be without Jamar Campion Hinds, while Noah van Geenen is doubtful having missed out the last two games with injury. 

Today we take on Longford Town in the first of the season!

Friday, March 22nd, Kick-off 7:45PM.
Athlone Town Stadium#CmonTheTown | #SupportLocal

 Sportsfile
@AlexBolgerDSNpic.twitter.com/K63ItsrUu1

— Athlone Town AFC (@AthloneTownAFC) March 22, 2024

Their centre-back options are limited with Dylan Hand suspended and German Fuentes Rodriguez is away on international duty. Carl Mujaguzi is as well.

LONGFORD TOWN 

After a stop-start beginning to the season, the Red and Black will be looking for their first points of the campaign. 

Stephen Henderson’s side have only played twice this season, with three games postponed due to weather-related issues. 

But the first derby of the campaign provides Longford with ample opportunity to get their campaign up and running.

“To have so many games called off at the start of the season is frustrating - and not having a win under our belt is tough,” defender Jamie Egan told his club’s media team. 

“But there have been positives in the games. And by the looks of it, we have played two teams who will be right up there this year. 

“In terms of the mood in the camp, it is still good. We have been in training on the days we were meant to have games.

De Town's centre half Jamie Egan speaks ahead of tomorrow night's game vs Athlone #Town2024 | #LTFC | #CmonDeTownpic.twitter.com/GgWpPhcgXg

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) March 21, 2024

“We’re trying to be as positive as we can be and I don’t think there’s a better game to come into.”

Referee: Chris Sheehan.

 

PREDICTION 

Athlone Town 1 - 2 Longford Town

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Jamar Campion-Hinds. 

Doubtful: Noah van Geenen. 

Unavailable: Charles Mugajuzi, German Fuentes Rodriguez. 

Suspended: Dylan Hand.

 

Longford Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A. 

Suspended: None.