OUT-OF-FORM Athlone Town face a daunting task this evening (Friday), as they bid to recover from a recent slump in form.

Athlone travel to face league leaders Limerick in their third last game of the Airtricity League First Division season, when a victory for the home side could see them crowned champions (though Waterford Utd would have to lose at Finn Harps for such an outcome).

Athlone have found scoring goals a major problem of late, netting just twice in the last eleven games, and have suffered 0-3 home reversals to Wexford Youths and Mervue Utd in recent weeks.

The Town are again without the services of top-scorer Noel McGee through injury, while defender Stephen Last is also extremely doubtful. Eric Molloy will also miss out with an injury, but Sean Skelly returns after a lengthy suspension. Brian Gill could also return to the squad after missing the Mervue game through illness.

Limerick will have to do without the services of Shane Guthrie, who misses out through suspension, while Rory Gaffney has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Garry Sheahan and David Ryan will try to shake off knocks, but will most likely miss the cut. Kick-off at Jackman Park this evening is scheduled for 7.45pm.