League Preview: Athlone Town -v- UCD

ATHLONE TOWN

Many had touted that this season would be another tough one for Athone Town, and that looks to the case as they welcome UCD to Lissywollen on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Midlanders have finished bottom of the First Division two years running and are already struggling with zero points and a horrid goal difference after two games.

Galway United defeated Aaron Callaghan’s side 4-1 on the opening day on the opening day of the season with Shane Keegan admitting his side were poor and sloppy for the whole game.

Felix Bape scored a screamer from outside the box late on against Galway to give his side their one and only moment worth cheering about so far this season.

In their second game of the season Drogheda United thumped the midlands side 6-0 at United Park to compound their misery at this early point of the season.

It looks like a long and disappointing season lies ahead of this once successful club and UCD are sure to do them no favours this Friday night.

Athlone have not provided any team news.

UCD

The Students are an interesting package this season. They’ve retained almost all of their players from last season, including last year’s First Division top scorer George Kelly.

Collie O’Neill has his side playing some of the finest football on the island and they certainly look like a well-oiled unit that will definitely be making a push for promotion this season.

They did things the hard way in their opening First Division game, coming from behind against Shelbourne to beat them 2-1.

Last Friday night they were the better team by far for the majority of the game but Galway United stood firm to nullify a potent attacking force.

The Tribesmen took the lead but a Josh Collins header brought The Students back on level terms to give them a share of the points.

Galway’s goalkeeper Tadhg Ryan was a major force in keeping the goals out, the young keeper being called upon over five times to make key saves.

One would imagine if UCD can create those kind of chances against the seemingly fragile Athlone defence they should have a chance of running up a cricket score when they face Aaron Callaghan’s men on Friday night.

Referee: Paula Brady

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town have not won a league match since the 5^th of May last year when they defeated Cobh Ramblers 2-1 at Athlone Town Stadium.

UCD defeated Athlone Town in all four of their First Division meetings last season, The Students scored 14 goals in total against The Midlanders.

The Midlanders also have a startling -9 goal difference already at this stage of the season after succumbing to 4-1 and 6-0 defeats in their opening two games.

BETTING

Athlone Town 14/1; Draw 5/1; UCD 1/5.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0-5 UCD

Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

UCD

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.