No play-off pact as Athlone Town's hopes dented by Treaty

Athlone Town's hopes of achieving a League of Ireland First Division play-off berth is now out of their control following the club's 2-1 home loss to Treaty United on Friday night.

Two of the four play-off spots will be contested in the final series of fixtures this weekend, with Athlone needing to defeat neighbours Longford Town in Bishopsgate on Friday night and hope results elsewhere go in their favour to ensure they extend their league season.

Interestingly, Longford Town, who are one point clear of Athlone Town on the First Division table, occupy the fifth and final play-off spot.

Sean O'Connor's team also need Treaty United to prevent a Cobh Ramblers win in Markets Field on Friday night.

Fourth placed Kerry could also mathematically be caught, but a defeat at home to Cork City and a goal difference turnaround of three is required.

Prior to Friday night's encounter with their Limerick based opponents, Athlone Town were on a five game unbeaten league run with hopes high that a win would cement the team's position in the play-off places.

Athlone had much possession throughout but could not turn it into goals as Treaty United took a one goal lead into the half-time break courtesy of Mark Byrne.

That lead was doubled in the second period when former Athlone player Ben Feeney added to the Town's woes.

Athlone were handed a glimmer of light late on when the deficit was reduced with two minutes remaining, Alan McManus scoring with a deflected shot.

The final series of League of Ireland First Division fixtures will kick off at 7.45pm on Friday.