19.45 22 Apr 2016 -
Referee:
League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Cabinteely FC
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Apr 22 2016
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town will look to pick up their first victory of the season and free themselves from the foot of the table as they host a Cabinteely side who've lost seven of their last eight games on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Alan Mathews wasn't present for the opening day defeat in a mudbath at Stradbrook Park, but he's seen his side lose just twice, to Limerick and Shelbourne, since and will be confident of taking revenge at Lissywollen.
Mathews saw his side surrender a 2-0 lead to draw with Cobh Ramblers last time out, but will have no excuses this time out as he has a clean bill of health and no suspensions to complicate his selection.
CABINTEELY FC
Cabo boss Eddie Gormley saw his team get off to a flying start with a win over Athlone and a draw at Shelbourne either side of a narrow defeat to UCD, but his team's experience outside the capital has been notably less positive.
Gormley's young side – the average age of each starting XI this season has been just 19 – have been taught some harsh lessons this season but they'll take confidence from the opening day in which they outclassed their visitors in difficult conditions.
Lee Mitchell is unavailable having been sent off in last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Limerick, while experienced defender Victor Ekanem remains a long-term absentee.
Referee: Kevin O'Regan.
MATCH STATS
Cabinteely have held the upper hand over their opponents since their admission to the league, having won three and drawn one of their five encounters with Alan Mathews' side.
While Cabo were deserved 2-1 winners on the opening day, the teams' last meeting in Lissywollen saw Athlone secure their only victory over their visitors, winning out 3-1.
BETTING
Athlone Town 4/5; Draw 12/5; Cabinteely 16/5.
PREDICTION
Athlone Town 1 – 1 Cabinteely
Athlone Town
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Cabinteely
Injured: Victor Ekanem.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Lee Mitchell.