Athlone Town look to build on positive season opener

Kevin O'Neill

Having opened this year's SSE Airtricity League First Division by beating Finn Harps 2-1 last weekend, Athlone Town FC will be hoping to build early season momentum against Kerry FC on Friday evening (Mounthawk Park, Tralee, 7.45pm).

Despite falling behind to Temiloluwa Ajibola's goal early on at home to Finn Harps - in front of a healthy crowd of over 1,100 - Peter Grogan's debut strike brought the Town level before an own goal by a Harps defender.

Athlone had some impressive performers as Ian Ryan's side managed a first league win under his tutelage, with new midfielders Aaron Moloney and Brian McManus particularly standing out among a solid team performance that featured 11 debutants (including three substitutes).

There will be doubt, however, about the fitness of one of the new acquisitions, Oisin Hand, who was substituted due to injury in the Finn Harps game.

As for Kerry FC, they began the season with a defeat away to UCD, but are expected to compete stronger this year having invested quite heavily in the transfer market. They have two former Athlone players in the ranks, goalkeeper Matt Connor and defender Killian Cantwell, while midfielder Vincent Borden, signed from Galway United, could be a crucial player for them this season.

After the Kerry game, Athlone will return to league action at home to Wexford on Friday, February 27 (7.45pm).