Sam O'Connor, right, of Athlone Town, is pictured tussling for the ball against Cork City's Liam Miller in last weekend's friendly.

Town continue preseason against shamrock rovers

HAVING achieved a notable 4-1 victory against Cork City last weekend in their opening pre-season fixture, Athlone Town face equally difficult opponents as their preparations for the upcoming League of Ireland season continue tonight (Friday) against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght (8pm).

Goals by new signings Garbhan Coughlan (who recently returned to Athlone for a second spell), Marco Chindea and Daniel Purdy gave Athlone a perfect start in pre-season against a Cork side that featured former Republic of Ireland midfielders Colin Healy and Liam Miller.

Tonight’s match is the second in Athlone’s pre-season schedule, with games against Longford Town, Bohemians, Galwau Utd and Sligo Rovers still to come. Shamrock Rovers will also provide the opposition for Athlone when the Leinster Senior Cup begins for the Town on February 24. That match will take place in Athlone with a 7.45pm start.

Athlone’s League of Ireland First Division campaign begins at Waterford Utd on March 6.