Athlone Town bid to end losing streak as Colbert departs

Athlone Town have a good opportunity to end a four-game losing streak in the Airtricity League First Division when they travel to take on bottom side Salthill Devon this weekend - but the club has been dealt a blow with the news that another of its players has left to join a junior club in Limerick. Midfielder Wayne Colbert rejoined Athlone from junior football in June, but the former Limerick FC and Shamrock Rovers man has now left to join Janesboro FC. His move comes shortly after another Athlone midfielder, Conor Kavanagh, departed to rejoin Limerick club Pike Rovers. Athlone Town also have a number of injury problems heading into Saturday's fixture in Galway (kick-off 7pm). Captain Kevin Williamson is doubtful as he is carrying groin and ankle injuries. Goalkeeper Brian Collopy is out with a dislocated shoulder, and Niall Scullion is likely to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury which is likely to require surgery in the coming weeks. Athlone's Assistant Manager Padraig Moran said the injuries meant younger players such as Joe Woods, Eoin Monaghan and Robbie Murray would now have an opportunity to impress. Moran said he was disappointed with the 0-1 home defeat to Finn Harps last time out. "Because Harps were below us in the table that game was a chance for us to pull away and unfortunately we didn't take it. The performance itself was disappointing, and a small bit worrying, but we have been working hard during the week and hopefully we will put it right at the weekend." In their two previous meetings this season, Athlone drew 1-1 with Salthill away from home in March and then won 2-0 when the sides met at Lissywollen at the end of May. "This game is similar to one against Harps because we have a chance to move further ahead of a team that's below us," said Moran. "Salthill have improved slightly as the season has gone on. We were good value for the 1-1 draw in March, and I thought we played very well when we beat them 2-0 at home. "It's always going to be tricky playing them away from home because their pitch is tight and they tend to get bodies behind the ball. But we go there with no fear and we'll be hoping for a good result," he said.