League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Shelbourne

ATHLONE TOWN

Time flies when you're having fun, and this evening's visit of Shelbourne (kick-off 7.45pm) marks a full round of games since Roddy Collins took the reins back in mid-May.

Collins entered the dug-out halfway through the Reds' 2-1 win over Athlone at Tolka Park on that night, and his side have picked up just two points in the six games since.

The opening of the transfer does mean that Collins can finally start to put his own stamp on the squad and he's already recruited three new faces.

Ian Fletcher has returned from Longford Town, Robert Spelman has arrived from Galway United and Liam McCartan moves from Limerick and all three are available for selection.

Athlone Town have failed to provide any team news.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne arrive in the midlands in a rich vein of form, having gone unbeaten through Juune as they climbed up to fourth in the table.

Having beaten UCD and Cobh Ramblers in previous weeks, hopes were high as they welcomed top-of-the-table Waterford to Tolka Park last Friday.

And, despite only equalising through Aaron Ashe's last-minute goal, manager Owen Heary was left frustrated having felt his side did enough to win.

“I think it was two points dropped to be honest, the second half especially,” Heary told the club's website following the draw with Waterford.

“We finished strongly, we were powerful and we created a lot of chances. And I think they were flat out on their feet.

“In my honest opinion - over the whole game, - we definitely deserved a draw, but definitely two points dropped in the end.”

On Athlone, Heary said: “[It's] another tough one. I think Roddy’s done a good job down there, strengthening them and they’re more organised, well structured.

“So we’ll expect a tough game down there, but you’d expect no different from the likes of Roddy’s teams anyway.”

Heary has no injury concerns, but Niall Lanigan is banned after accumulating five yellow cards. Dave O'Leary and Reece McEnteer both return from suspension.

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne and Athlone have met twice already this season, with the Dublin side coming out on top on both occasions.

The first game in Athlone saw Shels record their biggest win of the season, running out 4-1 victors, while the return game in Tolka finished 2-1 to the Reds.

Of their four meetings last season, Shelbourne won three, including a 3-1 win at Lissywollen, while Athlone won the fourth game 1-0 at home.

BETTING

Athlone Town 10/3; Draw 27/10; Shelbourne 8/11.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1 – 2 Shelbourne

Athlone Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Niall Lanigan.