Skip to main content

Tag: First Division

Men’s Match Preview: Bray Wanderers (A)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

Date: May 16th 2025
Time: 7:45
Venue: Carlisle Grounds

It’s another away trip for Athlone Town on Friday night as they take on Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

Following last week’s victory away to Finn Harps, Athlone will be looking for another cohesive performance against a strong Bray side who are currently sitting third in the table.

What do you need to know?

It’s been an inconsistent start to the season for Athlone who will be determined to build on last week’s victory against Finn Harps. The trip to Ballybofey proved fruitful, with the squad turning in one of their best performances of the 2025 campaign. Goals from Ben Feeney and Gideon Tetteh ensured that Athlone would take home all three points.

Bray will prove stiffer opposition this time around. Pat Devlin’s side have only lost four of 14 games this season, beating Athlone by the slender margin of a goal in the reverse fixture at the start of April, thanks to an early goal from Conor Knight.

With just four points seperating Wexford in fifth and Athlone in ninth, this season is still all to play for, with a fresh breath of optimism overcoming the squad following last week’s victory. A victory away to Bray would really instil belief in this group as they hope to push on and climb the table

Team News

Oisin Duffy and Dean Williams both remain sidelined and unavailable for selection on Friday night

Key Players to Watch

Ben Feeney has been one of Athlone’s standout performers this year. His hard work and determination when out of possession makes him a fan favourite with the Athlone faithful. Last week’s looping header against Finn Harps was his second goal of the season and he will be vying to add to this tally on Friday.

Killian Cantwell‘s defensive prowess will attempt to put a halt to Feeney and Athlone’s attacking threats. The Bray centre-half has been a rock at the back for the Wicklow side this season, a key component in their six clean sheets so far this season

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

Men’s Match Report: Finn Harps (A)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

A comprehensive performance away to Finn Harps ensured Athlone claimed all three points with goals from Ben Feeney and Gideon Tetteh.

Arriving in Ballybofey, Athlone were three points behind Harps, sitting at the bottom of the table. Victory ensured that we lifted from the foot of the table, tied on points with Harps and just four points off Wexford in fifth place.

It was the perfect start in Finn Park as Kailin Barlow’s pinpoint cross found the head of Ben Feeney who’s header left Harp’s keeper Oisin Cooney with no chance. A well worked goal, contributed to a superb start following some early pressure which set the tone for this encounter from the outset.

Athlone continued to control the play following the opening goal, reducing the home side to some half chances which failed to threaten Matt Connor’s goal.

Harps forward, Dara McGuinness found himself in space on the left wing, before cutting in and running at the heart of the Athlone defence, his low driven cross found the feet of Gavin Hodgins, whose effort flew over the bar from the edge of the six yard box.

Cole Omorehiomwan, who returned to the starting eleven for the first time in four games, reminded the Athlone faithful of his presence in defence, constantly frustrating the Athlone attack.

Athlone’s game management skills were prominent, having opened the scoring early, they maintained the Harps attack, containing danger men Gavin Hodgins and Gradi Lomboto. The teams went down the tunnel with Athlone holding on to their deserved lead.

Harps started the second half the stronger as they searched for an equaliser with Aaron McLaughlin coming close following a melee of chances for the Donegal side in the penalty area.

As play continued, neither team threatened, with the majority of the battle taking place in the middle third of the pitch as Declan McDaid replaced Kailin Barlow, with Athlone desperately searching for the second goal cushion.

The aforementioned Hodgins spectacular volley from the edge of the box, sailed past Connor, only for it to ricochet against the upright, much to the dismay of the home support in Finn Park who grew in voice, as they yearned for that equalising goal.

A moment of brilliance from Gideon Tetteh ensured that the home support was silenced as his turn and finish into the bottom corner of the net solidified the win for Athlone.

With 15 minutes remaining Harps continued to test the Athlone defence, but to no avail. A much needed and deserved win for Athlone, who will be high on confidence for their visit to the Carlisle Ground to take on Bray Wanderers next Friday.

Team

Matt Connor, German Fuentes Rodriguez, Daniel McKenna, Dylan Hand, Cole Omorehiomwan, Aaron Connolly, Noe Baba, Kailin Barlow, Brian Torre, Gideon Tetteh, Ben Feeney
Substitutes Used: Declan McDaid, Kyle O’Connor, Kyle Robinson, J.R Wilson

Match Report by Jake McLoughlin

Men’s Match Preview: Dundalk (H)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

Date: May 2nd 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

Athlone host league leaders Dundalk on Friday night as Athlone look to ignite their fight to ascend the table against Ciaran Kilduff’s side.

It has been a lacklustre start for Athlone, a positive result tonight against the title challengers would certainly be welcome by the loyal home support

What do you need to know?

Having been relegated to the First Division last season, Dundalk have started this campaign with intent. Currently sitting three points ahead of Bray Wanderers, The Lilywhites remain unbeaten this season. A resolute defence, which have only conceded six times this season, combined with a threatening attack forges a strong outfit visiting Lissywollen this evening.

For Athlone, the frustration continues as a strong performance away to Treaty United last week resulted in defeat, following consecutive draws against Wexford and Longford Town. Our last home game against Longford, saw a boisterous crowd turn out on Easter Monday, which coincided with a strong performance, only to come undone with a equaliser in the closing stages.

Dundalk defeated Athlone by the slender margin of one goal in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season. The home side will be hoping to continue to improve on recent performances and claim a result tonight.

Team News

Oisin Duffy and Dean Williams miss out through injury, while Kyle Robinson returns to the team, having missed the Treaty United game through injury

Key Players to Watch

Kailin Barlow‘s recent performances continue to impress as his physicality on the pitch bolsters Athlone’s midfield. Picking up the ball from deep, the 21-year-old possesses a precise passing range, capable of playing wingers and attackers in behind the defence.

Dean Ebbe will be no stranger to Athlone having scored 17 times for the home side last season. Ebbe has continued his goalscoring exploits this season, with six goals in twelve games so far this season, the 30-year-old will be a menace to the Athlone defence this evening.

Match Information

Match Information

Match tickets for tonight’s game can be purchased here

The game will be streamed live on LOITV here

Subscriptions for LOITV can be purchased here

Match Preview by Jake McLoughlin

Photo by Thomas Gallagher

Men’s Match Preview: Treaty United (A)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

Date: Friday April 25th 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Markets Field

Athlone Town make the journey to Limerick to take on Treaty United for Friday night’s First Division fixture. Sitting three points above Athlone, a victory against Tommy Barrett’s side would be instrumental in mounting a charge up the table, following two draws over the Easter weekend, against Wexford and Longford.

A positive performance against our Midland rivals on Easter Monday, which ultimately should have resulted in victory, will spur Athlone on tonight, who are desperate to claim all three points.

What do you need to know?

Athlone succumbed to Treaty in the first home game of the season, with the Limerick side only going on to win two more games, with victories coming against Finn Harps and Kerry.

Tonight’s opponents were defeated 2-0 by Wexford on Easter Monday, but earned a hard-fought point with a 1-1 draw against Dundalk on Good Friday.

For Athlone, a last minute Longford equaliser meant the points were shared in a game which Athlone dominated and should have sealed the victory earlier in the second half. Backed ferociously by the fans on Monday evening, the players fed off the atmosphere and will be hoping to turn in a similar performance tonight, claiming three points in the process.

Team News

Dan McKenna is available for selection following a lengthy spell on the sideline. Oisin Duffy and Dean Williams remain absent through injury, whilst Kyle Robinson is suspended following his yellow card against Longford.

Key Players to Watch

Brian Torre‘s cameo on Monday has left management with a selection dilemma. The winger replaced Declan McDaid at the end of the first half, imposing an impressive performance on the wing, creating an abundance of attacking opportunities, including a pin-point pass to assist Gideon Tetteh for the opening goal.

Lee Devitt, Treaty’s top goalscorer, will be remembered by Athlone fans , having scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture in February. With six goals this season, the 24-year-old will menace the Athlone defence as he looks to advance beyond the final man and get in behind the centre-halves.

Match Information

The game will be streamed live on LOITV here

Subscriptions for LOITV can be purchased here

Preview by Jake McLoughlin

Image from Conor Brennan

Men’s Match Report: Longford Town (H)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

A strong showing from Athlone Town in the Easter Monday Midland’s derby was not enough to see off Longford Town as Daragh Murtagh’s 90th minute equaliser meant the points were shared

With both teams coming into this game level on eight points a piece, the importance of this came could not be understated with bragging rights on the line.

From kick-off, Longford’s Pharell Manuel saw his effort land on the top of the Athlone net within 20 seconds. As the game continued, importance led to apprehension in the opening exchanges of the game, with neither team creating clear cut chances in the opening 20 minutes.

The atmosphere of a lively Lissywollen contributed to the raucous atmosphere on the pitch, with the physical nature of this clash evident from the outset. Aaron Connolly and Kailin Barlow dictated play in the middle third, with their strength and prowess providing solidity for the home side.

Longford’s Francis Campbell forced a pivotal save from Axworthy Duggan, who closed down the Longford striker who only had the keeper to beat, a sign of things to come in the closing stages of the first half as defences became stretched and the game ignited.

Once again, Campbell found himself with an opportunity on the edge of the penalty area, only for Declan McDaid to valiantly throw himself in front of the shot from point-blank range. The winger appeared to injure his rib in the process, which saw Brian Torre replace him just before half time, with neither team able to break the deadlock before the break.

Second Half

Athlone dominated the start of the second half. Billy Gilmore dropped deeper to collect the ball, springing attacks with his silky dribbling and precision passing. Gilmore himself had an opportunity to open the scoring, as did Kailin Barlow and susbstitute Ben Feeney. The resilient Longford defence continued to frustrate the Athlone attack.

Eventually, it was that man Gideon Tetteh who opened the scoring. Brian Torre’s pinpoint pass in between the Longford centre halves found the feet of Tetteh, whose strike rocketed into the bottom corner, much to the elation of the loyal home support.

As the atmosphere intensified in the stand, both teams fed off the raucous ambience, with a flurry of tangible tackles going in from JR Wilson and Kailin Barlow, as Athlone vied to cling on for three points.

Longford’s Aaron Doran collected the possesion on the right-wing, his accurate cross found the head of Daragh Murtagh whose header found the top corner, leaving Axworthy Duggan with no chance. Final score 1-1.

A strong performance from Athlone, with a number of positives to take. From the first whistle, the energy from the home crowd injected confidence into the Athlone team who were the better side on the day. With Treaty United away on Friday, the lads will be hoping the loyal support continues in the same manner.

Match report by Jake McLoughlin

Photo by Thomas Gallagher

Men’s Match Preview: Longford Town (H)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

Date: 21st April 2025
Kick-off: 5pm
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

It’s the Midlands Derby on Easter Monday in Lissywollen as Athlone take on Longford Town this evening.

It has been a lacklustre start to the season for both sides, with both sides desperate to turn their fortunes around. A victory for Athlone tonight could do just that, lifting them off the foot of the table in the process.

Level on points with our Midland rivals, tonight’s clash has an added ultimatum: bragging rights of the Midlands. A spirited performance against a strong Wexford side on Friday meant Billy Gilmore’s bullet strike meant the points were shared.

In what is the biggest game of the season so far, an atmospheric Athlone Town Stadium tonight will offer an added boost to Athlone tonight

What do you need to know?

The reverse fixture in March resulted in a 1-1 draw in Bishopsgate, with Ben Feeney getting on the scoresheet. The Midland’s El Clasico has served up some thrilling encounters in the past, the last five meetings of the sides have seen four draws and an Athlone victory.

Longford come into this one following a four goal hammering at the hands of Bray Wanderers, with defender Dean O’Shea receiving a red card, meaning he misses tonight’s game through suspension.

For Athlone, a win tonight could breathe life into what has been a disappointing start to the season. Four points over the Easter weekend would be a welcome return from two tough fixtures.

Team News

Adam Wixted misses this one through illness, whilst Dean Williams, Oisin Duffy and Dan McKenna all miss out through injury.

Key Players to Watch

JR Wilson has proved a menace to opposition with his threat both in attack and defence. The former Shelbourne man has been a stalwart at the back for Athlone this season, with his work-rate and determination evident each game.

Aaron Doran is Longford’s top scorer this season, scoring three of their nine goals. The attacking midfielder operates dangerously between the lines, providing creativity going forward.

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

Men’s Match Preview: Wexford (H)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

Date: April 18th 2025
Kick off: 7:45pm
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

As the second round of fixtures begin, Athlone Town will be hoping to make it a Good Friday in more ways than one with a victory against Wexford FC. Coming into this game at the foot of the table, the home side will be determined to claim all three points in their first game since the departure of Dario Castelo.

A Gideon Tetteh strike was enough to separate the sides when they met in Ferrycarrig Park in March. With only four points between Treaty United in fifth and Athlone Town in 10th, a victory would be invaluable to this team, both in terms of league position and for the morale and confidence of the squad

What do you need to know?

For Athlone, it has been a frustrating start to the season, now more than ever, these players require backing to climb the table and get this season back on track, following the departure of Dario Castelo. The Town will be managed tonight by an interim team of Danny Byrne, Declan Holohan and Robbie Rock. With the Midlands Derby against Longford Town on Monday, this weekend could be pivotal for the success of this squad.

Wexford make the trip to the Midlands in third place, nine points ahead of Athlone. Wexford striker Mikie Rowe is the league’s top scorer with seven goals in nine games. Stephen Elliot’s side drew 2-2 at home to Finn Harps last week and are unbeaten in their last three games.

Team News

This game arrives too soon for Dean WIlliams who trained throughout the week. Oisin Duffy and Dan McKenna remain out, with a full squad available for Athlone otherwise.

Key Players to Watch

Kyle O’Connor offers attacking threat going forward as well as solidity in the defence. The 22-year-old posseses pace and skill in abundance, racing up and down the sideline on the overlap to create opportunites for his attack. The full back will be vying to keep a clean sheet tonight, something which hasn’t been done since the last clash with Wexford.

Calum Flynn has received plaudits of late for his recent performances, the 19-year-old scored his fourth goal of the season last week, to add to his one assist, posing a threat to 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

Men’s Match Preview: Finn Harps (H)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

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

Men’s Match Preview: Cobh Ramblers (A)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

Date: March 21st 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: St. Colman’s Park

Athlone Town travel to St.Colman’s Park on Friday night to face Cobh Ramblers. Following a hard-earned three points against UCD, Athlone will be hoping to continue ascending the table with a victory on the road tonight.

Cobh, currently sitting in second place, two points behind Dundalk, will pose a stellar challenge to Dario Castelo’s side tonight. Similar to Athlone, tonight’s opponents are coming into this one, with the opportunity to claim three wins in a row, following victories against Finn Harps (2-1) and Longford Town (5-0).

What do you need to know

A victory for Dario’s men tonight will show a statement of intent for this campaign. A slow start to the season has been rectified, as we have claimed seven points from the last possible nine. Kyle Robinson’s goal secured all three points against the Students last week but it was the manner of the victory which was prudent throughout.

An onslaught of UCD attack in the final stages saw Dylan Hand and Cole Omorehiomwan dictate the penalty box with their strength and physicality, ensuring that their side claimed all three points. Declan McDaid scored his first goal of the season, with his left footed strike opening his account for the season. Athlone will come in to this game on the crest of the wave, yearning for another victory, as they continue to climb the table.

For the home side tonight, a Cian Murphy penalty sealed the victory in the closing stages of last week’s encounter with Finn Harps. Mick McDermott’s side are unbeaten this season, sitting two points behind league leaders Dundalk.

Key Players to Watch

Aaron Connolly has proved a maestro in midfield for the Midland’s side this season. His composure on the ball, dictating the play in the centre of the pitch has been instrumental to Athlone this season. His weight pass to the left wing set up Kyle Robinson’s winner last week but his exceptional work rate and determination makes him a crucial component in the Athlone machine in both defensive and attacking transistions.

Barry Coffey will be crucial for Cobh in the midfield battle. The attacking midfielder, formerly of Cork City, has three goals from five games this season. Having progressed through the youth ranks at Celtic, Coffey is pivotal to this Cobh team.

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

Match Preview by Jake McLoughlin

Men’s Match Preview: UCD (H)

Written on . Posted in Men's, News.

Date: March 14th 2025
Kick-off: 7:45 pm
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

Athlone Town look to claim back to back victories for the first time this season as they welcome UCD to Athlone Town Stadium for the fifth game of the 2025 campaign.

Gideon Tetteh’s sensational strike was enough to claim all three points away to Wexford FC last week, but the students will provide a difficult opposition for Dario Castelo’s side. Friday’s visitors have earned respectable draws against both Finn Harps and Cobh Ramblers in their last two games.

What do you need to know

A win for Athlone will be crucial in building confidence for the squad and gaining momentum in their push for promotion, following a lacklustre start to the season. The games against Longford Town and Wexford FC have allowed players to settle into a new system following an abundance of new signings in the Summer.

Cole Omorehiomwan has offered an outlet to target for set pieces, Ben Feeney’s physicality up front and Gideon Tetteh’s pace down the wing accumulate to forge a dangerous attacking threat.

JR Wilson, Dylan Hand and Kyle O’Connor have solidified defensively, with the first clean sheet of the season coming against Wexford, with Matt Connor’s heroics, making a total of seven saves in Ferrycarrig Park.

The Students come into this game with two draws and one loss having played three games. William O’Connor’s side will be eager to earn their first win of the campaign on Friday night.

Team News

It remains to be seen if Declan McDaid will be fit for this encounter, having trained during the week. Bastien Hery is available having featured off the bench last week. Dan Mckenna remains absent through injury.

Key Players to Watch

Ben Feeney has started the season strongly for Athlone. The 21-year-old has one goal this season and was instrumental in Tetteh’s winning strike last week. His hold up play is instrumental for Athlone going forward while his positional sense makes him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence.

Ronan Finn is a stalwart of Irish football with over 300 appearances for Shamrock Rovers he returned to UCD for the 2024 season. A creative midfielder, the 37-year-old provides experience for the Dublin side who have a tendency to rely on youth. 

Match Information

Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here.

The game will be streamed live on LOITV here.

Subscriptions for LOITV can be purchased here.