Match Preview: Finn Harps (A)
Pre-Match Preview: Finn Harps vs Athlone Town AFC
Date: Monday 3rd of June 2024
Kick-off: 5pm
Venue: Finn Park, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this much-anticipated match.
Athlone come into this game following a quick turnaround, having played Cork City on Friday.
Athlone town are the inform team in the division, but this fixture is one they would prefer to have when they have a full squad to pick from. This bank holiday weekend could shape the chase for the playoffs with Cork (1st) playing UCD (2nd) and Athlone (3rd) playing Finn Harps (4th) with just two points between second and fourth there isn’t much to separate the three teams, it must also be pointed out that both Wexford and Bray are just two points behind 4th position so they will be waiting to pounce on any slip from the three teams ahead.
Harps come into the game having bounced back from a defeat to Kerry by beating Wexford in their last game.
Athlone beat run away league leaders Cork City last time out and this fixture will have seen them play the first, second and fourth place teams in their last three fixtures.
Having played Harps twice, you can read about both fixtures here; Away Game Home Game, both team have won at home so its all pointing to a difficult visit to Ballybofey for Dario’s side.
Coming into the game AthloneTownAFC.ie spoke to manager Dario Castelo and he gave his thoughts on the fixture.
“This group is brilliant they work hard for one another; we must continue with the same mentality. It’s another important game Monday, but to compete in this league they are all important games. we have a long trip ahead and must go and play well and work together to try and get a result”.
Team News
Athlone Town AFC have it seems now an injury crisis. These three games in eight days couldn’t have come at a worse time for the squad. Enda Minogue struggled during the game Friday and had missed training last week he is a big doubt, Brian Torre picked up a knock and he’s a doubt. Carl Mujaguzi and Mathew Leal are ruled out having both gotten injured in the Cork fixture. Aaron Connolly is suspended. German Fuentes Rodriguez is away on international duty, so he misses the next two games. Andrew Stuart Trainor is starting exams.
Past Encounters
Athlone and Harps have played twice this year the first playing out as a 2-0 victory for Harps in Ballybofey. The return fixture in Athlone Town Stadium was a happier time for the Town as they finished 1-0 winners thanks to a Dean Ebbe goal
Key Players to Watch
For Athlone Town AFC,Armado Oakley has been great on his return to fitness and has looked really exciting so far since arriving at the club
Finn Harps forward Success Edogun who is well known to Athlone Town fans has developed well since he left Athlone and will be hoping to his three goals this season.
Match Tickets
Tickets for the game can be purchased here.
Follow the Athlone Town AFC channel on WhatsApp: Click Here for The WhatsApp Channel
Live Coverage:
The game will be streamed live on LOITV at the below link. Individual match passes can be purchased for €5 or viewers can purchase a season pass which will give them access to all games across the League of Ireland.
FINN HARPS V ATHLONE TOWN (loitv.ie)
Referee Team
Referee: Daryl Carolan
1st Assistant Referee: Richard Storey
2nd Assistant Referee: Philip Harrison
4th Official: Glen Geraghty