Match Preview: v Longford Town

SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division: Athlone Town AFC vs Longford Town

Date: March 22nd 2024

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

Longford have had three games fall foul to the weather so far this season. They will eagerly look forward to the kick-off and kick start their season.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this much-anticipated match.

Longford have come out on the wrong side of their two games this season and will be looking to get their season started ahead of a hectic two weeks.

Athlone have been hit and miss in their games this season, but we hope to see the Athlone we saw in the first game of the season with the exciting attacking play. International call ups and injuries have caused problems this week for the manager, but we are hopeful the front three will continue to excite and cause problems for teams.

Dario Castelo stated, “It is in difficult times that you see the strength of the Athlone Town family and fans and the character of the professionals, from the players, coaches, and staff. All together and united this Friday night for another important game.”

Team News

Athlone Town AFC will be without Jamar Campion Hinds who is still sidelined with an injury but on the road to recovery. Noah Van Geenen is doubtful having missed out the last two games with injury. Our centre back options are limited as Dylan Hand is suspended and German Fuentes Rodriguez is away on international duty as well as Carl Mujaguzi.

Past Encounters

El Clasico seldom fails to entertain with Pierrot announcing himself last year in style and then getting an early bath for his trouble, to his wonderful goal in Longford last year in added time to settle the tie. The game in Athlone in June was the most eventful with Athlone winning 1-0 but the game saw the match referee produce the red card on four occasions, all justified to be fair.

Key Players to Watch

Athlone Town AFC, Ruben Candal has been great on his return to fitness and has looked really exciting so far.

Longford Town, Chris Lyons brings a wealth of experience to their club as he has more than 300 League of Ireland games under his belt scoring 74 times and is expected to be their danger man tonight.

Match Tickets
Tickets for the game can be purchased here.

Referee Team
Referee: Chris Sheehan
1st Assistant Referee: Conor Fitzgibbon
2nd Assistant Referee: Aaron Pisarnik
4th Official: Robert Dowling