League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Cork City

ATHLONE TOWN

After falling to a late defeat away to Galway United, Athlone Town take on Cork City at Lissywoolen looking to wrestle back momentum in terms of the playoff picture (kick-off is at 7.45pm) on Friday night.

The Co. Westmeath thought they had a point at Eamonn Deacy Park last time out before they were undone by a late Tribesmen winner.

The result now means that they have lost five of their last six league games – and are now in 5^th after Cabo’s big win away to Cork.

In terms of team news, Athlone have no suspension worries to contend with.

CORK CITY

After suffering yet another dismal defeat to Cabinteely – Cork City visit Athlone Town at Lissywoolen on Friday night.

City’s clash against Cabo was played in front of 600 fans, but despite the crowd present, they could not make it count as the Dubliners ran out easy winners.

And their manager Colin Healy is looking for a reaction. “First and foremost, I’m a supporter of the club. Results aren’t going our way at the moment – the fans are frustrated and so am I.

“Trust me, it hurts me so much when we don’t win games. Last weekend was tough to take. The performance in the second half wasn’t good enough, and the players have been told that.

“The position that we’re in at the moment is not good enough. I understand that, and the lads know that. We know that we have to improve and move up the table. We have another tough game coming up on Friday, against another good side in Athlone Town.

“They beat us earlier on in the season, capitalising on an individual error from us. The players have trained well this week, they know they have to put in a performance on Friday night.

“When you put on the Cork City jersey, there are standards that must be met. If they are not met, players get replaced. That’s how football works.”

In terms of team news, Cian Bargary is City’s only confirmed absentee.

Referee: Rob Dowling.

MATCH STATS

The sides have not played each other at Lissywoolen since Athlone Town’s last stint in the Premier Division – and that was in 2014.

BETTING

Athlone Town 5/4; Draw 23/10; Cork City 7/4.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1 - 0 Cork City

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: Cian Bargary.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.