League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Athlone Town

SHELBOURNE

Shebourne could potentially go top of the First Division, depending on results elsewhere, with victory over Athlone Town at Tolka Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Owen Heary's side moved level with second-placed Drogheda United with a1-0 win away to Wexford last Friday.

Arran Molloy scored the game's only goal with a shot through a sea of bodies midway through the second half.

But Heary isn't taking anything for granted against the division's bottom team and says his team will have to fight hard for three points.

“As I’ve said before, I believe that all teams in this league are capable of taking points off each other,” Heary told the club's official website.

“Just look at last week’s games, Cabinteely beating the league leaders Drogheda and Athlone sharing points with Harps. Every game is difficult.

“We’ve been doing well recently, with everyone working hard and we hope to continue in this vein.

“Our aim this season is to gain automatic promotion or at least make it to a playoff position, but there’s a long way to go until season’s end. “If we continue doing things as we are, there is no reason why we wouldn’t be in the mix.”

Shels will be without defender Derek Prendergast through injury, while the experienced Dave Mulcahy is also a doubt.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town secured their first points of the season with a hard-earned 1-1 draw at home to Finn Harps last Friday.

Shane Stokes gave Athlone the lead early in the second half but Michael O'Connor struck with 12 minutes remaining to earn a share of the points for Harps.

Athlone have failed to provide any team news.

Referee: Damien McGraith.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne completed a clean sweep of victories over Athlone Town in their four league fixtures last season.

4-1 wins in Lissywollen and Tolka Park bookended a 2-1 win at Tolka and 3-1 in Athlone.

BETTING

Shelbourne 1/18; Draw 17/2; Athlone Town 22/1.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 3 – 1 Athlone Town

Shelbourne

Injured: Derek Prendergast.

Doubtful: Dave Mulcahy.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.