Athlone Town's play-off hopes hinge on derby duel

Athlone Town’s bid for a place in the First Division play-offs comes down to their clash against midland rivals Longford Town tonight (Friday), kick-off 7.45pm.

Athlone suffered another setback last Saturday afternoon with a 4-1 defeat to Finn Harps in Ballybofey which was their fourth loss in a row. A victory over Finn Harps last weekend would have secured a place in the play-offs for Athlone, but they fell well short of reaching that target.

With Harps second from bottom in the table, the manner of Athlone’s defeat came as a shock. Ryan Flood scored a hat-trick as the home side claimed a surprisingly comfortable victory. Athlone's goal came when a free kick from Jamar Campion-Hinds was deflected into the net by Harps player Jamie Watson.

Athlone’s promotion hopes will now go down to the wire in the last league game of the season at home to Longford Town. Crucially, however, Athlone’s fate remains in their own hands. If Dario Castelo's side beat Longford, they will finish fifth irrespective of other results and claim a place in the play-offs..

Even a draw is likely to be enough for Athlone as their goal difference (-6) is better than sixth-placed Treaty United (-10). The Limerick side, who are two points behind Athlone, are away to Waterford tonight and in the event of Athlone drawing with Longford, they would need to beat the Blues by a big margin.

Bray Wanderers (three points behind Athlone) are only in contention by the slimmest of threads as their goal difference (-14) is even worse than that of Treaty. Bray need to beat Finn Harps by a substantial margin and hope that Athlone lose to Longford and Treaty fail to beat Waterford.

If Athlone manage to secure fifth place, they will meet second-placed Waterford in the play-offs over two legs. Waterford will have home advantage in the second leg on Saturday, October 28, with the first leg to be confirmed when fifth place is determined.

Cobh Ramblers (third) and Wexford (fourth) will meet in the other play-off (first leg in Ferrycarrig Park next Tuesday, October 24, with the second leg in St Colman’s Park on October 28).

SSE Airtricity First Division remaining fixtures (Friday, October 20, all 7.45pm)

Athlone Town v Longford Town

Waterford FC v Treaty United

Bray Wanderers v Finn Harps

Galway United v Wexford FC

Cobh Ramblers v Kerry FC