Athlone hope to have Mark Hughes (pictured) back in the fold for tonight's game against Derry City.

Athlones relegation battle continues against the candystripes

Published: Fri 26 Sep 2014, 12:14 PM

ATHLONE Town travel north tonight for the latest instalment in their battle to beat the drop in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The Town, currently two points adrift of second from bottom UCD, play against Derry City in the Brandywell with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Athlone have drawn their last five league matches to narrow the gap on fellow relegation candidates UCD. The Town are also five points behind Bray Wanderers in tenth position.

Athlone have lost twice to Derry this season; 3-2 away early in the season under Mick Cooke’s management and then by a single goal in Lissywollen not long after Keith Long replaced Cooke as manager.

Athlone hope to have midfielder Mark Hughes back in the squad after he missed last weekend’s scoreless draw against Bohemians through a hamstring problem. Aidan Collins could also rejoin the squad after a long period out through injury.

The Town have no suspensions for the game but Derry - who next weekend feature in the FAI Cup semi-finals - will be missing Shaun Kelly and Shane McEleney for this reason.