Sporting Fingal -v- Athlone Town

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After two disappointing draws against Limerick and Mervue United, Sporting Fingal will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host Athlone Town at Morton Stadium on Friday night.

Liam Buckley will be without defenders Stephen Paisley (ankle) and Shaun Maher (foot) while Gary O’Neill (groin) and Daniel Corcoran (hamstring) are also unavailable for selection. Shaun Williams is suspended after he was shown a red card after the final whistle against Mervue last week.

The trip to Santry will undoubtedly prove to be Athlone’s biggest test so far this season and Brendan Place’s men face a tall order if they are to end their three match loosing streak. The visitors also have injury concerns going into the game with Anthony Hayes (cruciate) still five weeks away from a return. Damien Rushe (thigh) and Ciaran Reilly (chest) are both very doubtful for this game while Kevin Williamson serves a one match suspension for his sending off against UCD last Saturday.

There is some good news for the visitors with the return of David Tyrrell and Thomas McGauley. New signing Ian Coffey should also be available for selection pending no problems with his registration.

Fingal are currently six points of league leaders UCD but Liam Buckley isn’t worried about his side’s recent results. “We created enough chances in both matches against Limerick and Mervue to have won easily but as long as we continue to open teams up, I’m certain more goals will come," he said.