IRISH FOOTBALL

DIVISION 1
DUNDALK - ATHLONE TOWN

Dundalk put in a truely dire performance in the home loss to Limerick, which was their second defeat in a row. Boss John Gill was left speechless afterwards, but the following day said ...

“ We were just inept and we weren’t up for the game, and I feel our focus wasn’t what it should have been.

“But, I’m definitely not going to panic, because, as I said, there’s enough panic around Dundalk when you lose two in a row, it’s a crisis, and rightly so, because there’s high expectations here and there’s high standards after being set. It’s not good enough, and I’m not going to accept it, and nor will the club.

“The club is doing everything in its power. The players get treated properly, like royalty. They get treated, I would safely say, better than any squad, certainly in the First Division, and probably a lot better than some of the teams in the Premier. So, it’s about time people gave a little bit more back, and maybe not get caught up in their own little universe.”

He has made it clear that all places are up for grabs and we can expect a fired up performance this evening. To be fair, this last defeat came on the back of a good showing in the previous game, arguably the best of the season. They will be boosted tonight by the return of John Flanaghan and playmaker David Cassidy, from suspension, much of the creative output goes through Cassidy , which will give them more attacking options. This is all about the home team, they are a much better side than Athlone and a two goal win will take the hosts back to the top of the table.They will take heart from the h2h record, having won the last 8 meetings, six of the last 7 by two or more goals, the last 4 here, all by three or more goals. They won the reverse fixture 3-0 just nine weeks ago. Home win.

6.5 points Dundalk -1.25 goals asian line 1.85.

Good Luck.