Athlone town slight underdogs with bookies for cup clash against sheriff yc
Athlone Town are currently slight underdogs with bookmakers as they face into a tricky Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup third round fixture against junior club Sheriff YC in Dublin.
A place in the quarter finals of the competition awaits the winners of the fixture this evening (Friday) at Clontarf Astro (kick-off 7:30pm).
AUL outfit Sheriff stunned one of Athlone's fellow League of Ireland Division One clubs, UCD, with a 3-1 victory in Belfield in the previous round.
Bookmaker Paddy Power currently has Sheriff as 7/5 favourites to advance against Athlone tonight, with the Town listed as 8/5 to win. A draw is 23/10.
The Dublin club is the very marginal favourite with Boyle Sports also, which lists them at 6/4, while Athlone are 31/20, and the draw is 12/5.
While Athlone's league form this year has been disappointing, with the club currently sixth in the eight-team Division One, manager Alan Mathews will be hoping that a win tonight could inject some new new life into the club's season.
The last time Athlone reached the quarter finals stage of the FAI cup was in 2006, when the club lost to Shamrock Rovers in a game played at Dubarry Park.
In team news, Athlone Town will welcome back Derek Doyle who missed the last two games due to suspension, but will be without the Robbie Gaul and Marco Chindea, while Brian Shortall is also rated as doubtful.
The club said Thomas Mulroney will be available for selection despite being sent off in last Monday's leagure defeat to UCD, as his supension will only apply to the League competition.
Both Daniel Purdy and Philly Gorman return after being rested on Monday in preparation for tonight's game.
Speaking to Extratime.ie earlier this week, Sheriff YC manager Alan Reilly said it would be 'a massive achievement' if his side was to overcome Athlone.
“You wouldn’t be taking Athlone lightly, I think (their) league form is wrong - I don’t think they should be where they are. They have a wealth of experience and youth in their side.'
“I think it’s only a matter of time before they start picking up results and going on a good run. Alan Mathews will have them well drilled and organised. Alan knows what he’s doing, he’s managed in the top flight in this country. It's going to be a big task and test for us, we’ll have to perform and be on our game to get a result.'
Robert Harvey has been apponinted as the referee for tonight's game. In the event of a draw, the replay would be held at Athlone Town Stadium in Lissywollen on Monday next, August 24, at 7.45pm.