Can Athlone take another step towards the title?
ATHLONE Town's Airtricity League First Division title push continues tonight against fourth-placed Mervue United at Fahey's Field (7.45pm).
Athlone look to have a full-strength squad to choose from after their captain Aidan Collins was cleared to play a part. Collins' involvement in the game and the rest of the season looked to be in some jeopardy when the outstanding defender was stretchered off in last weekend's memorable victory against Longford Town at the City Calling Stadium.
However, after the swelling subsided on his knee in recent days, it looks like Collins is okay to join the squad for tonight's fixture. In a further boost to Athlone, midfielder James O'Brien will be available after missing last weekend's win through suspension.
Tonight's fixture is of crucial importance to Athlone's continuing quest to win the First Division and secure automatic promotion back to the Premier Division after an 18-year absence. Mervue are still very much in the hunt for the play-off places (second and third) and have provided stiff competition for Athlone this season.
On the opening day of the campaign, Mervue held Athlone to a scoreless draw at Lissywollen before Athlone needed a late penalty from Philly Gorman to earn a draw at Fahey's Field in late April. Athlone then beat Mervue 3-0 at Lissywollen in late May when Philly Gorman scored a hat-trick. However, Mervue had a player sent-off in the opening minutes of that contest.
Athlone are currently five points clear of Longford and Waterford United at the top of the First Division with seven matches remaining.