The Blues move their focus to the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup this Friday, as Keith Long’s men welcome First Division outfit Athlone Town AFC to the RSC for our third round clash, and we have all the information you need to know about tomorrow’s opponents below!
The midlands side have been the surprise package of the First Division this season, as they sit in second place in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division with 45 points to their name after 27 games – only seeing Cork City FC above them in the table.
Athlone have picked up mixed results in recent weeks, failing to win in any of their last three league games – most recently falling to a 3-2 defeat at home to Wexford FC on Monday evening despite running into a two-goal lead at half-time.
How have Athlone town AFC gotten to the FAI Cup Third-Round?
Dario Castelo’s side welcomed Munster Senior League side Ringmahon Rangers to the Athlone Town Stadium for their second-round tie in July, and earned their way into the last-16 with a narrow 1-0 win against the Cork-based side. Brian Torre’s goal three minutes into the second-half proved the difference between the sides, as they now make the journey to the RSC this Friday.
Who are Athlone Town’s Key Men?
Castelo’s squad is made up of young, hungry players that have clicked well together this season, with the experience Leo Gaxha recently making the move to Athlone from Galway United during the mid-season break.
After an impressive first season in the League of Ireland with Kerry FC last year, Gaxha earned a move to newly promoted side Galway United FC, where he struggled to get regular game time. A summer move to Athlone ensued, where he has scored three goals in five games for his new club.
Another summer signing that has taken to life in the midlands is Kyle Robinson – a pacy & direct forward who has a wealth of experience despite only being 21 years of age.
After spending last season with Drogheda United in the Premier Division Robinson joined Athlone during last month’s window to give Castelo’s side more options up the field. With three goals to his name already – including one against Wexford on Monday night – Robinson will play an important role in Athlone’s promotion push this season.
When Did Waterford FC Last Play Athlone Town?
The Blues were paired against Athlone in last season’s First Division Play-Off semi-finals, where the Blues progressed to the First Division final thanks to a 4-2 aggregate win.
Ronan Coughlan’s 52nd-minute opener was cancelled out by Frantz Pierrott 13-minutes from time in the first-leg, to bring a level game to the RSC for the second-leg. After a cagey opening hour of action, Romeo Akachukwu wrote his name into the history books at Waterford, coming off the bench in the second-half to score a sensational twenty-five minute hat-trick to guide to the Blues into the First Division final against Cobh Ramblers.
How Can I Watch Tomorrow’s Game?
Match tickets for tomorrow’s Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Third Round tie against Athlone remain on sale now. With kick-off set for 7:45pm tomorrow (Friday, 16th August), you can purchase your ticket today HERE.
