League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Athlone Town

• Gerard Grimes
• Fri, Jul 15 2016



Drogheda United will look to bounce back from a defeat to Cobh Ramblers as they host an Athlone Town side that will be full of confidence following their victory over Shelbourne last week (Kick-off at United Park, 7:45pm).
 
DROGHEDA UNITED
Pete Mahon will be hoping his Drogheda United side return to winning ways after they suffered their second defeat in three games last week, a 2-1 loss away to Cobh Ramblers – a result Mahon said was deserved when speaking to the droghedaunited.ie.
 
“I have no complaints about the result; Cobh deserved to win the game. That’s the second time we’ve taken the lead down there and failed to win the game and that’s unacceptable against one of your rivals in the league.”
 
A win for Drogheda would see them go three points clear of Cobh, who play league leaders Limerick on Saturday, with the possibility of leapfrogging UCD in second should the Students fail to record a win at home to Waterford United on Friday evening.
 
Drogs have come away with four points from the two games with Athlone so far this season after a 2-2 draw in March was followed by a 2-1 victory away in May, courtesy of a Sean Thornton header midway through the second-half.
 
However, it will be a much changed Town side that the Boynesiders’ will face this time around and Mahon admitted it is hard to tell what level they are at.
 
“It’s hard to tell what level Athlone are at. They were well beaten by Cabinteely a couple of weeks ago but then maybe with the benefit of a week’s training, they defeated a decent Shels side 1-0. They have a lot of lads who have been given a big opportunity to play at this level and they will obviously be looking to seize their chance.”
 
Drogheda have also signed striker Gareth McCaffrey from Shamrock Rovers but it is unclear if he will be registered in time for the game against Athlone.
 
ATHLONE TOWN
Athlone Town travel to Drogheda on Friday hoping to build on a 1-0 victory over Shelbourne last week. That victory was only their second in the league this season, with the other coming at home to Cabinteely in April.
 
The management team of Colin Fortune and Mick Dolan will lead their side, which includes 27 new players, into their fourth competitive match together, hoping to add a second unbeaten game, and possibly a victory, to their name.
 
If Athlone are to get a result, they may look to Conor Barry for inspiration. Barry, who is one of the few players who was part of the original Athlone squad for this season, scored the winner against Shelbourne last week, bringing his tally to four for the season.
 
Of those four goals, two have come against Drogheda, including one in a super display off the bench at United Park which also saw him grab the assist for Athlone's last minute equaliser.
 
Referee: Ray Matthews.
 
 
MATCH FACTS
Despite being 16 points ahead of their opponents, Drogheda have only scored five more goals than Athlone in the league this season. Drogheda have hit the back of the net 23 times in 16 games compared to Athlone's 18.
 
The head-to-head record between these sides is close. In the 21 matches between them, Drogheda have won eight, Athlone have won six while there have been seven draws.
 
 
BETTING
Drogheda United 2/13; Draw 6/1; Athlone Town 18/1.
 
 
PREDICTION
Drogheda United 2-0 Athlone Town.
 
 
Drogheda United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
 
Athlone Town
Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: None.