League Preview: Shelbourne v Athlone Town

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne welcome Athlone Town to Tolka Park on Friday evening in a top of the table clash in the First Division (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Reds crashed to a dismal defeat the last time they faced Athlone – crashing out of the FAI Cup with a heavy 4-1 defeat at Lissywoolen.

But that defeat will mean little ahead of Friday’s encounter in Drumcondra – as both Shels and Athlone find themselves in the First Division’s top two.

“Athlone are a dangerous team,” Shels boss Ian Morris told his club’s media team. “Anyone that has that raw pace is a serious threat. They can score goals but also concede so we’ll be looking for the three points ourselves.

“We’ll be looking to get back to winning ways. It was sloppy and unlike us to concede in that manner at the end, but we’ll take the positives from the character the players showed coming out for the second half, creating chances, and getting two goals,” he added. 

“Cabinteely sat off against Athlone last week, but this will be a different game.”

In terms of team news, Georgie Poynton returns from injury but Denzil Fernandes and Gerardo Bruna remain out long-term. 

ATHLONE TOWN

Adrian Carberry’s new-look Athlone Town side face arguably one of their stiffest tests yet as they visit Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Athlone have picked up 13 points from their first 6 league games of the season – only losing once so far.

Their sole defeat came last weekend against Cabinteely at the Athlone Town Stadium – as they were undone by goals from Niall Barnes and Ben Hanrahan.

Athlone have not won at Tolka since 2007 – and have failed to defeat the Reds in a league game since 2015.

The Blue and Black of the Midlands have not issued team news at time of writing, although they do not have any suspension worries to contend with.

Referee: David Dunne.

MATCH STATS

Prior to Athlone’s most recent 4-1 win over Shelbourne, they had gone 11 games without a win over the Reds.

Shelbourne have not lost to the Co. Westmeath outfit at home since 2015 – and that was the only time they lost to Athlone at Tolka Park since 2007.

Adrian Carberry’s side have picked up 7 points from a possible 9 in their first three league away games this season.

BETTING

Shelbourne 3/4; Draw 5/2; Athlone Town 3/1.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1 - 1 Athlone Town

Shelbourne

Injured: Denzil Fernandes, Gerardo Bruna.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.