Athlone in desperate need of victory against lowly Mervue

Airtricity League 1st Division Preview ATHLONE Town look to address an alarming slump in form in the Airtricity League First Divison when they take-on strugglers Mervue Utd at Lissywoolen later this evening (7.45pm). The Tonw, now under Padraig Moran's guidance (following Mike Kerley's departure a month ago), have not won any of their last ten matches, and suffered a desperately disappointing 0-3 reverse to Wexford Youths last weekend. Athlone must surely pick up three points tonight if they're to stand any chance of finishing the season in the top-four, with fourth-placed Finn Harps three points ahead of Athlone with four matches remaining (including tonight's match). Athlone have coped reasonably well with Mervue since the Galway outfit entered the League of Ireland in 2009, and have won two of three meetings with Johnny Glynn's side this season. While Athlone were slumping to defeat to Wexford last weekend, Mervue were on the end of a 7-1 FAI Cup quarter-final hammering by Premier Division Derry City. Sean Skelly misses out again for Athlone, as the Dubliner serves the final game of a four-match suspension, while Noel McGee (Athlone's top-scorer), Neil Harney, Eric Molloy and Stephen Last have been ruled out with injuries. Damien Rushe and Barry O'Mahony have also been nursing knocks this week and are in the doubtful category. On the upside, Garvan Broughall, Stephen Relihan and Mark Sherlock are all available again, and are thought to be in serious contention for recalls to the starting team.