League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Athlone Town

DROGHEDA UNITED

After defeating Shelbourne last weekend via a dramatic last gasp free-kick from Sean Brennan, Drogheda United will be hoping to make it two wins from two as they look to solidify their solid promotion hopes at United Park on Friday evening against Athlone Town. (Kick-off 7.45pm)

Following three defeats in four games, Drogheda were on the verge of a mid-season fall from grace before they rocked up to Tolka Park and stunned the Reds at the Drumcondra venue.

In a game of very few clear-cut chances, Drogheda delivered when it mattered most to seal all three points in the grand manner via a Sean Brennan late strike.

In truth, it was a deserving win for the Drogs who looed the far more threatening side at the Richmond Road venue. Colm Deasy and Conor Kane impressed throughout with their width and attacking prowess.

However, eyes are now firmly fixated on a new challenge for Drogheda when the host basement strugglers Athlone Town on Friday evening.

Speaking ahead of the game was Tim Clancy who is anticipating a tough challenge against Terry Butler’s side who can frustrate sides on their day for certain.

“You only have to go back to when we played Athlone a couple of months ago, it was a very close game right up until the end.” Clancy noted

“This game is just as important as the Shels one last week. We need to take the same attitude into tomorrow night and remain patient.

“Athlone are certainly capable of putting a performance in, they’ve taken points off Finn Harps this season, so if we underestimate them, we’ll pay for it.”

In terms of team news for the Drogs, they have no injury issues to contend with, however, Chris Lyons misses out via suspension.

ATHLONE TOWN

Facing another daunting task, Athlone Town must prepare themselves for a difficult trip away to Drogheda United as Terry Butler’s side look to find their first league win on the pitch of 2018.

Athlone’s only win so far this term came against Wexford FC when the side formerly managed by Damian Locke fielded an ineligible player at the Athlone Town Stadium. The result was overturned into a three-nil win for Terry Butler’s side.

Despite that, Athlone have now gone 440 days without a league win on the field. Their last win in a league game came against Cobh Ramblers following the match fixing controversy of last term.

In addition to this, the Blue and Black of the Midlands have only scored nine goals on the field so far this season in the First Division, with a goal difference of -56.

As usual, Athlone have not provided any team news for Friday evening’s game at United Park.

Referee: Derek Michael Tomney.

MATCH STATS

Drogheda have gone five consecutive games without a draw. Their last stalemate came against Shelbourne on June 4^th when they rescued a late point at Tolka Park via a Sean Brennan spot-kick.

Athlone’s last win against Drogheda came four years ago in an unlikely 6-0 trashing of the Drogs while both were still in the Premier Division back in 2014.

Athlone have conceded seven goals already against the Drogs so far this season. That statistic results in exactly 3.5 goals per game for Tim Clancy’s side against the First Division’s crisis club.

BETTING

Drogheda United 1/16; Draw 8/1; Athlone Town 20/1.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 4-0 Athlone Town

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Chris Lyons.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Unknown.

Suspended: None.