Match Preview

Airtricity League 1st Division.

Athlone Town  vs   Monaghan United

Both Monaghan United and Athlone Town go into this game with one thing in common, each had a difficult encounter in their last outing which in each case was against Limerick FC.  At Least United came back to draw with the men from the ‘Treaty City’ Athlone on the other hand were on the end of a heavy homed defeat of 3-0.  Thanks to the bye – system in the 1st Division Athlone has had a weeks rest since that encounter.

This game brings to an end the first of the three series in the League in which Monaghan United have done very well in only loosing one game in the series.  Athlone haven’t done as well and are toiling in the lower half of the table, however there are plenty of matches left for them to make an impression.

Monaghan United will want to get out of the traps fast this time. In the last two games they made very poor starts and paid the penalty for it especially against Mervue United.  Roddy Collins should have one of his strongest panels to select from, apart from Paul Whelan who is suspended everyone else is available to him. He will welcome the return from suspension of Declan ‘Fabio’ O’ Brien. It will be interesting if either Andy Haran or Shane Fitzgerald will start, these two players made a big difference when they came on in the second half against Limerick. Although Alan Byrne picked up a knock in the last game he should fit again.

Monaghan United have a good record in recent seasons against Athlone Town another good performance could take United back into second position in the table.

Monaghan United’s support on the road has been improving and with this being one of the shorter trips a good turn out again is expected.

Kick off at Athlone Stadium on Saturday is @ 7.30.p.m.

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Injuries

None

Suspensions:

Paul Whelan, Declan

Last  5 Results.

Next Five Games

Manager Roddy says  ”

Roddy Collins. This game against Athlone Town brings to and end our first series of game in the league. Overall I believe we did well with only one loss from nine starts. Considering I and the squad hadn’t a lot of time to ge! t to know each other before the season kicked off, Aidan Lynch has to take a lot of credit for the easy transition.

Last Friday after a disastrous start of conceding a first minute goal against Limerick we gradually hauled ourselves back into the game and our performance particularly the final quarter was very encouraging and we deserved a share of the spoils.  From the past two games I now have a much better understanding of our weakness and strengths which I hope to work on constructively going into the next series. Monaghan United although with a good record in recent seasons at Athlone nonetheless have found it a tough venue to get those results in.  First gla! nce at the table sees Athlone in the lower half, but that doesn’t tell the full story. I have seen Athlone play twice this season they had a couple of decisions go against them which otherwise would have left them much closer to us. Just like myself Mike Kerley is in his first season with Athlone and is finding his way, with his experience they will have a bigger presence in the remainder of the season. Having played there in good times under Turlough O’ Connor I have always has a close affinity for Athlone.

Our squad is near full strength, if we can replicate our performance from the final quarter of the Limerick game for this entire encounter I believe we can get a positive result but nothing less at Lisswollen will suffice.  The lads are looking forward to ending the first round series on a positive note."

Yours in football,

Roddy Collins.