Athlone Town's play-off fixtures with Waterford confirmed

Last Friday night's results saw Athlone Town secure a place in the League of Ireland First Division play-offs. Athlone drew 0-0 with midland rivals Longford Town as Treaty United's 2-0 defeat to Waterford ended the Limerick side's hopes of beating The Town to fifth place.

But Athlone don't have much time to rest on their laurels with the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Waterford taking place tomorrow night (Tuesday), kick-off 7.45pm.

Athlone have home advantage in the first leg and while it's usually considered an advantage to have the second leg at home, Dario Castelo's side will be hoping to take a lead to Waterford. The second leg will take place in the RSC next Saturday, October 28 (kick-off 3pm) and, interestingly, Waterford are currently managed by former Athlone boss Keith Long.

The other semi-final is between Cobh Ramblers (third) and Wexford (fourth). The winner of the Athlone v Waterford play-off will have home advantage in the final against the winners of the Cobh v Wexford tie.

Whichever team comes through the First Division play-offs will still have one more hurdle to cross against the team which finishes ninth (second from bottom) in the Premier Division.

Overall, Athlone will have to successfully negotiate four more games if they are to secure a place in the Premier Division for next season.

At present, Cork City are in ninth place in the Premier Division, six points behind Sligo Rovers, with three games remaining.

The ninth-placed Premier Division team will have home advantage in the final play-off.

SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division play-off fixtures

Athlone Town vs Waterford

First Leg: Athlone Town Stadium, Tuesday, October 24, 7.45pm.

Second Leg: RSC, Waterford, Saturday, October 28, 3pm.

Wexford vs Cobh Ramblers

First Leg: Ferrycarrig Park, Tuesday, October 24, 7.45.

Second Leg: St Colman’s Park, Saturday, October 28, 5pm.