League Preview: Cork City -v- Athlone Town

Turner's Cross

Turner's Cross Credit: David Ribeiro (ETPhotos)

CORK CITY

The Leesiders go into Friday’s game looking to continue with their recent good form. They currently stand joint-top of the First Division having won their last three games. In that spell they managed to score eight goals without conceding. 

Despite a lengthening injury list, they have been able to stay in contention for promotion back to the Premier Division. With a home game against the bottom side, City fans might expect another easy three points. 

Colin Healy knows to not take this game for granted though. “It will definitely be another tough game. We’ve watched the games that they’ve played, and they’ve been unlucky. They had plenty of chances against Galway. They’ve got some good players and a good manager as well, so we need to be focused and ready for them.”

One of the key reasons for their good form has been a solidity in defence. It was an area that Healy recognised needed to strengthen. Jonas Häkkinen reiterated the importance of this. 

“We had a little bit of a slow spell after a big win on the opening day, but we’re back on form again so hopefully we can continue this and keep going,” said Häkkinen. “We’ve only conceded one goal in the six games, and we’re scoring lots of goals, which is a huge positive.”

ATHLONE TOWN

The visitors will be hoping to get their first points of the season on the board, having lost all four games so far. A heavy defeat on the opening night to Waterford was followed by losses to Wexford, Cobh Ramblers and Galway United.

The latter two at home were especially hard given how much chances they created in both games but were ultimately left empty handed. The loss of Derek Daly to injury just before half-time in the Galway game certainly didn’t help matters either. 

Adrian Carberry must be hoping that the good approach play from the likes of Youri Habing, Oisin Duffy and Thomas Oluwa can reap dividends at Turner’s Cross. A good result would definitely give them confidence and allow them to look forward. 



Referee: David Dunne

MATCH STATS

Athlone were the first side to inflict a home defeat on Cork last season. In an early season encounter, James Doona’s second-half goal proved enough for them to take all three points back to the Midlands. Doona is unable to face his old side having picked up an injury recently. 

City were able to gain a degree of revenge by winning the remaining two games against their guests.

BETTING

Cork City 1/5; Draw 9/2; Athlone Town 9/1



PREDICTION

Cork City 3-0 Athlone Town

Cork City

Injured: Dylan McGlade, James Doona, Gordon Walker, George Heaven, Alec Byrne

Doubtful: Ruairi Keating, Cian Coleman

Suspended: N/A

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: Derek Daly 

Suspended: N/A

 

    About Philip Morrissey

    Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile