League Preview: Waterford -v- Athlone Town

WATERFORD

Waterford welcome Athlone Town to the RSC for the first game in the second round of fixtures (kick-off 7.45pm) in the position many expected them to be, top of the table.

However a shock opening-day loss in Lissywollen against this evening's opponents showed that Alan Reynolds' side wouldn't have it all their own way in the First Division.

The Blues have improved since then, winning four and drawing two of their next six matches, and victory over Cobh Ramblers last week took them a point clear at the top.

Patrick McClean's header ten minutes from time proved the winner after Kenny McEvoy's first-half strike was cancelled out by a Gary Delaney own goal.

“We should get another big crowd for the game against Athlone,” said striker Dean Walsh.

“I think that the fans have been pleased with what they’ve seen so far at home especially when you’re winning games so we’ll be hoping to kick on from the result last week.

“It was a tough game last week against Cobh. It was a hard-fought win without playing well so hopefully we can put in a performance against Athlone. It would be nice to get another three points that will keep us top of the game.

“It’s fantastic to be playing in front of the crowds that we’re getting at the RSC especially when you’re a local lad as well. We’re playing well, we’re doing well and we’re top of the league. That’s all you can ask for really.”

Robin Dempsey and Jake Evans are injured for the Blues while Davy McDaid serves the second of a two-game ban for his sending-off against Longford Town two weeks ago.

Sander Puri is expected to miss out with an ankle injury, while Kenny Browne and Ian McLoughlin are both doubtful.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town arrive in Waterford on the back of four heavy defeats in their last five league game. They've picked up just one point since their victory over Wexford on day two.

We have no team news for Athlone.

Referee: Paula Brady

MATCH STATS

The sides have already met once this season. A Colm Coss goal two minutes from time gave Athlone an unlikely 1-0 win on the opening day.

The sides met four times last season as Athlone achieved the unusual distinction of conceding three goals to the Blues on each occasion.

The first meeting in Lissywollen ended in a 3-3 draw before Waterford notched up successive 3-0, 3-1 and 3-0 wins.

BETTING

Waterford 1/6; Draw 6/1; Athlone Town 12/1.

PREDICTION

Waterford 4 - 1 Athlone Town

Waterford

Injured: Robin Dempsey, Jake Evans.

Doubtful: Sander Puri, Ian McLoughlin, Kenny Browne.

Suspended: Davy McDaid.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.