Tough league assignment awaits Athlone after disappointing loss
Athlone Town face a daunting trip to SSE Airtricity League First Division leaders Cork City on Friday night (Turner's Cross, 7.45pm), as Ian Ryan's side attempt to recover from a disappointing second half display that led to a 2-0 defeat against Treaty Utd last weekend.
The midland outfit had been in fine form leading into the Treaty match but despite a reasonable and scoreless first half, in which Athlone spurned some great chances, two second period goals gave Treaty a first win of the season.
Having been relegated from the Premier Division last season, Cork are hot favourites to win the First Division – and probably with some distance between them and any challengers. They are managed by former Celtic midfielder Barry Robson and boast a very formidable front-line at this level, including striker Sean Maguire, who has played 11 times for the Republic of Ireland at senior level.
The Munster side are currently five points clear at the top of the table from nearest challengers Bray Wanderers with Athlone a further point back in third place. Despite last weekend's result, Athlone would probably not have expected to have been in this position so early in the season, having finished rock bottom in 2025. However, they will be keen not to fall back into old habits by losing a few games on the spin, even though the task this weekend might just be a little too difficult.
Injury doubts will remain over the inclusion of experienced goalkeeper Brendan Clarke, who has missed the last couple of matches, and defender Oisin Hand, who was taken off injured in the first half against Treaty Utd. Peter Grogan and Cillian Tollett, both used substitutes against Treaty, will both be in with a shout of coming back into the starting team after Athlone failed to hit the net last week.
After this weekend's tough trip to Cork, Athlone will have two home games in a row, starting against UCD on Friday, April 3 (7.45pm, They will then host midlands neighbours Longford Town in the first local derby of the season on Tuesday, April 6 (5pm).