Rod's Squad prepare for intriguing local derby

MIDLANDS rivals ATHLONE Town and Longford Town go head to head in the Airtricity League First Division at the City Calling Stadium on Saturday night (7.30pm), with local pride and three valuable league points at stake.

Athlone warmed-up for the first league derby of the season with a valuable victory over Finn Harps last Friday (see page 30 for match report and reaction), and will be keen to provide Longford - the current league leaders - with a stern challenge this weekend.

Like last season, Tony Cousins’ Longford are setting the early pace in the division and are currently four points ahead of Athlone (as well as Mervue Utd and Finn Harps). The two sides met early in the season in the EA Sports League Cup, with Longford winning 0-2 at Lissywollen. However, Athlone’s team that night lacked experience as Collins used the game to look at some fringe players.

The manager’s son, Roddy Jnr, will be suspended for the game but Niall Lanigan will be available after serving a one-game suspension against Finn Harps.
Noel McGee is very unlikely to return from injury, while there could be some doubt about the involvement of team captain, Aidan Collins, who was forced to leave the field injured last Friday night. Veteran midfielder Keith Gillespie will be suspended for Longford Town.