League Preview: UCD -v- Athlone Town

UCD

UCD came away with a very impressive 2-0 win at St Colman’s Park against Cobh Ramblers last week, with Georgie Kelly scoring a brace to add to his winner against Cabinteely at the start of March.

Speaking on that win, UCD manager Collie O’Neill expressed his delight with his side’s performance and will be expecting more of the same when they welcome Athlone Town to the UCD Bowl.

“We played a lot better last week than we have been and moved the ball a lot quicker. It’s also great to see that not only can we play nice football at times we can also roll our sleeves up and dig in when we have to.

“Georgie Kelly and Ryan Swan linked up very well and created a number of good chances between them. It was also great to have Brian Shortall back after suspension and he did very well.

“Hopefully now over the next few weeks we will be able to push on and gain some momentum starting with Athlone on Friday.”

Veteran striker Jason Byrne will again miss out due to a calf injury while Samir Belhout (knee) and Ryan McLaughlin (hamstring) also continue their stints on the sideline.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town’s beginning to the 2016 First Division has been far from ideal. Alan Mathews’ side went down 2-1 to Cabinteely on the opening night before a last minute equalizer from Marco Chindea earned them their first point of the season against Drogheda United in a 2-2 draw.

Last week, however, the Midlanders were overpowered by high-flying Limerick, losing 5-0 at the Athlone Town Stadium. David Cassidy had an effort cleared off the line in that game and Alan O’Sullivan hit the post meaning that despite the scoreline, Mathews would have taken a lot of positives from his sides’ showing which he will hope his young side can carry into tomorrow night’s clash with UCD.

Conor Barry is the only injury concern for Athlone as he recovers from a hamstring problem with no other injuries or suspensions to report.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

MATCH STATS

Last season UCD and Athlone played out some interesting contests. Both teams took one win each and drew the other two, with a red card shown in each of those games.

Overall, these two sides have met a total of 20 times in the league with UCD winning 11 to Athlone’s 5.

Goals have been a consistent feature in this fixture over the years with UCD putting 37 past Athlone in total while the Midlanders have scored no less than 22 leading to a 2.95 goals per game average.

There has never been a scoreless draw between these sides and in UCD’s six games in all competitions this season there have been 20 goals scored while Athlone’s four games in league and cup has seen the ball in the net 15 times.

BETTING

UCD 4/9; Draw 3/1; Athlone Town 6/1.

PREDICTION

UCD 2-0 Athlone Town.

UCD

Injured: Jason Byrne, Samir Belhout, Ryan McLaughlin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: Conor Barry.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.