Derry City -v- Athlone Town

• Gareth Penrose
• Thu, Sep 09 2010


Athlone Town will be travelling north on Friday night to take on Derry City (kick-off 7.45pm) in this Airtricity First Division clash. Despite being at opposite ends of the table, one thing in common both sides have in recent weeks is inconsistency.

The Candystripes blazed a trail at the start of the campaign but recently defeats to Waterford, Cork City and Monaghan United and a draw with local rivals Finn Harps has seen the Brandywell residents picking up only four points from a possible 12.

Athlone have lost to Cork and Limerick recently, but on both occasions by a single goal margin. Draws with Wexford, Waterford and Salthill and a single victory against Mervue has seen the Midlanders earn six points from 18.

Talking to BBC Sport, Derry manager Stephen Kenny hopes for his side to recover from last week’s 2-0 defeat but expects a tough game.

“We want to bounce back from our defeat last week, to respond with a victory. Athlone have taken points off the top teams this season. It is a competitive league, probably the strongest First Division.”

"At the start of this season many of the younger players were chipping in with goals but in recent weeks have have been relying too much on Mark Farren."

Kenny will have to plan without Kevin Deery (knee), Ruairi Harkin (knee) and Thomas McBride (ankle). Barry Molloy is a doubt but should be able to feature.

Athlone Town manager Brendan Place will be without the services of Brian McCarthy who is serving a one game ban after being sent off for a second bookable offence in last weekend’s game. Ryan McEvoy, Wayne Colbert and Denis Moran all return after missing out last week due to chest infections.

Derry City
Injured: Kevin Deery, Ruairi Harkin, Thomas McBride
Doubtful: Barry Molloy
Suspended: None.

Athlone Town
Injured: None
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Brian McCarthy

Referee: P. Caschera

Extratime prediction: What should be a straight forward win for Derry if you base it on table position is not so straight forward on recent form. A draw could be an outside bet but I’m going to go with a narrow Derry victory.