League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Athlone Town

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely will be looking to build on some good recent performances as they welcome Athlone Town to Stradbrook on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Cabo have lost their last two games in a row, but they can count themselves unlucky to have done so.

A late defeat against Shelbourne was a bitter blow after they had also been defeated by a fortuitous UCD 2-1 a week’s previous.

“We had really good performances in our last two games,” first-team coach Collie O’Neill said. “But we were disappointed not to have any points on the board from them.”

He added: “We just have to continue that standard of play. So, hopefully the points will come. Athlone are a good side.

“We know the dangers that they have. It is up to us to do our jobs and nullify that; to see what we can do at the opposite end.”

Andy O’Brien and Adam Hayden remain side-lined for Pat Devlin’s charges, while they have been able to welcome Mikey Quinn into their squad who joins from Newbridge Town.

Quinn is the son of former Republic of Ireland international Niall, and has previously played in the UK for Bury.

He is also formerly of Athlone Town having had a short since at the club in 2019 before dropping to the Leinster Senior League.

ATHLONE TOWN

After picking up just one win from their last nine league games, Athlone Town will be looking to get the fledgling season back on track on Friday night.

Adrian Carberry’s side could only draw away to Wexford last weekend, and that was thanks to a late equaliser from Adam Wixted.

They had found themselves two goals behind the Slaneysiders heading into the final 10 minutes before a late-show earned them a point.

During their last visit to Stradbrook, they secured a 1-1 draw against Pat Devlin’s side, but they lost their last clash against Cabo at Lissywoolen.

In terms of team news for Friday’s game, Athlone will be without Jonny Carlin and Jack Watson – two former Cabo men – as they have both left the club.  

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely have won 14 of the side’s 21 previous games since 2015, with Athlone winning just the three. Cabo won the last game 2-1 at the Athlone Town Stadium.

Cabinteely have lost their last two games in a row against both UCD and Shelbourne, losing by a single goal on each occasion.

BETTING

Cabinteely 7/5; Draw 21/10; Athlone Town 13/8.

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1 - 1 Athlone Town

Cabinteely

Injured: Adam Hayden, Andy O’Brien.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.