League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Wexford

Athlone Town

It’s been another tough start for Athlone Town this season, they’ve lost both their games and haemorrhaged goals.

They conceded three against Cabinteely and Cobh Ramblers both times out, although a silver lining for Adrian Carberry is that his side haven’t been shy in front of goal with three of their own to their name.

It’s quite possible that Friday night’s game against Wexford (kick-off 7.45pm) will once again be a clash between two sides that will occupy the lower regions of the First Division and Athlone will need to tighten up their defence if they want to pick up their first points of the season.

The Town will be bolstered by the addition of four players this past week with Ciaran Grogan, Mark Birrane, Lee Duffy and Taner Dogan all joining ahead of Friday night’s restart.

Wexford

Wexford have a couple of points to their name this season, securing two draw before the First Division was postponed.

They travel to Lissywoolen still looking for their first win with draws against Galway United and UCD and a loss to Bray earlier this year.

While defence is a worry for Athlone, scoring goals is as big a worry for Wexford. Just the one goal scored by Brian O’Sullivan’s side so far and that was just in the nick of time on the opening day of the season.

Conor English just managed to nick a goal to give Wexford a share of the points against UCD when he scored in the 89th minute back in February.



Both sides will be looking for a win this weekend and it remains to be seen if Wexford will be able to get their shooting boots on this Friday night.

Referee: Michael Connolly

MATCH STATS

Athlone will still be  looking for their first points of the season when they take on Wexford on Friday night.

With three games played, Wexford have only managed to score the one goal, a stunning strike from Conor English in the final minutes of their game against UCD to give them a share of the points.

Worryingly for Athlone, with just two games played in the First Division, they have scored three times and have also conceded six goals



BETTING

Athlone Town 6/4; Draw 23/10; Wexford 6/4.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1-2 Wexford

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile