- Paul Corcoran
- Thu, Mar 30 2023
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town will be looking to stay in the mix at the top end of the First Division table when they host Galway United on Friday night (kick off 7.45pm).
The Town’s season has gotten off to a mixed start although they will be pleased to be firmly in the mix for a playoff place as it stands with three wins, a draw and two losses to their name so far.
In their last game they managed to secure a narrow victory over League of Ireland newcomers Kerry in Mounthawk Park.
Valerij Dolia came off the bench to score his second ever goal for the club since signing last season.
Jamar Campion-Hinds and Frantz Pierrot will be two of the bigger threats for Galway when they face Athlone with both having two goals each so far this season – although the pair have each been sent off already this season.
Dermot Lennon’s side may well look at Galway’s 9-1 win over Kerry a few weeks ago and fret over their attacking threat give the Town only managed an 88th minute winner against the league’s newest side.
GALWAY UNITED
The Tribesmen will be very happy with their start to the season as they sit six points clear at the top of the First Division table with wins in each of their first six games of the season.
Their objective on Friday is clear, to add a seventh win to their campaign and keep their run going – which is a club record best start to a season since their previous victory.
In their last game they just managed to secure the three points against Longford Town thanks to a Darren Clarke goal in the second half, with the former Longford player coming off the bench to help secure their sixth straight win.
United have a good record in Athlone in recent times with the Tribesmen winning on both visits to the midlands last season and they could well add to that run away from home on Friday.
Regan Donelon could still be a concern for John Caulfield, the defender suffering an injury during their game against Cobh Ramblers on St Patrick’s Day although Conor O’Keeffe has come in and performed well for the side.
Aside from that issue United’s manager is gifted several selection headaches such is the talent on his bench, Clarke has yet to start a game for Galway and he may well be looking to come get the nod after his performances from the bench in recent weeks.
Rob Manley too will be looking for minutes given that the United frontline haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders so far this season.
Referee: Paul Norton
MATCH STATS
The Tribesmen secured victory on both occasions when they visited Athlone Town stadium last season.
United are on a six game winning streak to begin their season.
Galway United’s Vincent Borden is in joint second place on the First Division goalscoring charts with four goals this season.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 0–1 Galway United
Athlone Town
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
Galway United
Injured: Callum McNamara.
Doubtful: Regan Donelon.
Suspended: None.
