League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Treaty United

ATHLONE TOWN

Tommy Hewitt’s side will be looking to get their first points of the WNL season on the board when Treaty United visit Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 7pm).

The Town suffered a 2-0 loss to Shelbourne last weekend, having held the Reds goalless until the 68^th minute.

A stunning effort from Pearl Slattery and an Alex Kavanagh penalty nudged the Dublin side in front and ultimately to the victory with Athlone still impressing against what would be considered a significantly stronger side.

With Treaty conceding six times in their game against Bohemians last weekend, the Town could be eyeing up a chance to win some points of their own on Saturday, although with the Limerick side scoring twice themselves they will need to be aware of their attacking threat.

Helping their cause at the very least is the news that Tommy Hewitt no injury concerns and a full squad to choose from for Saturday’s game.

TREATY UNITED

Niall Connolly will be disappointed at the margin of victory at the end of Treaty United’s first game of the season after Bohemians ran out 6-2 winners.

However, despite the side going 4-0 down after 40 minutes, the Limerick side fought back to halve the deficit with goals from Aoife Cronin and Shannon Parbat.

The Gypsies found another gear though, and substitute Aoife Robinson killed any possible comeback with a brace of goals in the second half.

This weekend’s game poses another challenge and Athlone might prove to be a tough side to break down as Treaty look to score more goals on Saturday.

Despite losing both games last season, Treaty did run Athlone close on both occasions so expect a close game once again this weekend.

Connolly will be without the services of Gillian Keenan and Esra Kangal who both miss the game through injury. Anna and Maura Shine are unavailable for the trip to Athlone due to Leaving Cert commitments.

Referee: Daryl Carolan

MATCH STATS

The sides both played their inaugural WNL season last year and have met just two times coming into 2021.

The Town ran out winners both times in 2020, with Tommy Hewitt’s side winning 3-2 in each game.

Both Katelyn Keogh and Kellie Brennan scored in both of the games against Treaty last season for Athlone Town.

BETTING

Athlone Town 6/5; Draw 5/2; Treaty United 6/4.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 2–1 Treaty United

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Treaty United

Injured: Esra Kangal, Gillian Keenan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.