League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Shelbourne

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town will be aiming to build on last week’s 1-0 win away to Cabinteely when they welcome Shelbourne to Lissywoolen (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Adrian Carberry’s side edged out the South Dublin side with a 1-0 win thanks to a first-half strike from Derek Daly.

In truth, they had little issue to contend with against Cabo as they moved ahead of Pat Devlin’s side in the table.

It was a welcome boost for them after they had a backroom change of change of sorts, with former Wexford manager Brian O’Sullivan replacing Graham Kane who had to step away for the time being.

And having confirmed that last week, Carberry added that he is hoping to add to his ranks shortly.

“We’re trying to add players in the window. But it’s a tough window,” he said.

“Every team is finding that out. We’re talking to a couple of players just to make us a little bit stronger.

“Hopefully we’ll have one or two nailed down by next week.”

Shane Barnes, Kilian Cantwell and Scott Delaney are all expected to miss out for Athlone.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend as they take on Athlone Town in the First Division on Friday night.

It will be their first visit to Lissywoolen since their FAI Cup humbling their last season and their manager Ian Morris is expecting a tough test at the Co. Westmeath venue.

“It’s a weekend where teams can make a jump up or down in one round games. There’s no room for anyone to get carried away at this stage of the season,” Morris told his club’s media team. 

He added: “We just need to keep that focus. We’re scoring goals and creating chances which put us in a position to turn teams over which we need to keep taking. 

“Athlone will be a difficult team to play against. They train and play on that astro so will be well used to it, but we’ll be prepared.”

Gerardo Bruna remains out for Shelbourne, while Yoyo Mahdy is inching closer to a return.

Referee: Michael Connolly.

MATCH STATS

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

Only Scott Delaney remains in the Athlone Town squad from that 4-1 win at Lissywoolen in the FAI Cup last term.

BETTING

Athlone Town 4/1; Draw 16/5; Shelbourne 1/2

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1 - 2 Shelbourne

Athlone Town

Injured: Shane Barnes, Kilian Cantwell, Scott Delaney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Gerardo Bruna, Yoyo Mahdy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.