Men’s Match Preview: Finn Harps (H)
Date: March 28th 2025
Kick-off: 7:45
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium
Athlone Town will be aiming to get back to winning ways tonight as they host Finn Harps in Athlone Town Stadium. Following a 2-0 defeat to Cobh Ramblers last week, Dario’s men will be hoping to get back to for all three points tonight.
Finn Harps make the journey from Ballybofey with a new management team in the dugout, following the departure of Darren Murphy. The travelling fans will be hoping for a new manager bounce to build on their maiden win of the 2025 campaign last week, a 5-0 victory over Bray Wanderers.
What do you need to know?
It has been a frustrating start to the season, with a lack of consistent results, adding to the unpredictable nature of the competitive First Division. Athlone were competitive for the majority of last week’s loss in St. Colman’s Park, with the result not reflective of the performance.
Athlone come into this game in sixth place, four points ahead of tonights opponents sitting in eighth. A 1-1 draw to Bray Wanderers on Monday means the squad will be primed for this clash. As the table begins to take shape, the importance of tonight’s encounter cannot be denied.
Harps will be full of confidence following their hammering of Bray last week, it has been a poor start to the season for the Donegal side, picking up four points from a possible eighteen.
Tonight is the first of two home games in a row in the league as we face Bray at home again next Friday. Three points tonight will instil confidence in the players, as they continue their battle to ascend the league table.
Team News
Noe Baba misses this one through injury, having suffered a knock in Monday’s Leinster Senior Cup game against Bray. Dan McKenna and Oisin Duffy remained sidelined while Dean Williams returns to the squad alongside Lee Axworthy.
Key Players to Watch
Ben Feeney has been one of the standout performers for Athlone this season. His hard-work and determination, both on and off the ball has not gone unnoticed by the Athlone faithful. The striker will hope to add to his one goal so far this season, backed by the loyal home supporters.
Gavin Hodgins has been impressive for the away side this season. The former Shelbourne man has two goals and one assist so far this season off the left wing and may be problematic for the Athlone defence.
Match Information
Match Tickets for tonight can be purchased here
The game will be streamed live on LOITV here
Subscriptions for LOITV can be purchased here
Preview by Jake McLoughlin