League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Galway United

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town will be hoping that the appointment of Paul Doolin can have a galvanising effect this weekend as they host Galway United on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Blue and Black of the Midlands suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat away to UCD last time out.

And that defeat proved to be the end for Adrian Carberry who parted ways with the club shortly after.

But Doolin has since moved in to take charge of Athlone until the end of the season.

Ahead of his first game in charge, however, he will be without suspended pair Dylan Hand and Daniel McKenna.  

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to keep the heat on league leaders Shelbourne on Friday night at Lissywoolen when they take on Athlone Town.

The Tribesmen secured a big 3-1 win over Shels last week, but their manager John Caulfield stressed the importance of his side switching their focus to their next challenge.

“The most important game for us is Athlone," Caulfield told his club's media team.

"Every week is a different challenge. We can't be complacent when we go to Athlone on Friday. We won't take the points if we are not at our best.

"As I have said from the start, the league will come down to the last six or seven games as we turn into the final third of the season.

“We have to keep battling away and make sure we stay in the playoff positions.

"It was a good win last week, but we are concentrated on the Athlone game now. We are in the business end of the season with eight games to play."

Referee: Gavin Colfer.

BETTING

Athlone Town 3/1; Draw 5/2; Galway United 3/4.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0 - 2 Galway United

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Dylan Hand, Daniel McKenna.

Galway United

Injured: Ronan Manning, Francely Lomboto, Carlton Ubaezuonu.

Doubtful: Ruairi Keating, Mikie Rowe, Shane Doherty.

Suspended: None.