Cobh Ramblers will make the near six hour round trip to face Athlone Town this Friday, where both sides will look to put down a marker in the play-off race.
Athlone Town come into the game having suffered their first defeat of the season away to Bray Wanderers last week. Ian Ryan’s side will look to get back on track here and continue their impressive start to the season.
Meanwhile, Cobh Ramblers have had a more mixed start to the new campaign but did manage a credible 1-1 draw last time out against local rivals Cork City. They came very close to promotion last year and will hope to use that Cork derby result to kickstart their promotion charge.
Key Information
Kick Off: 19:45
Where to watch: LOI TV
Betting odds: Athlone win @9/5 Draw @23/10 Cobh Win @6/5
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium.
Team News
For Athlone, goalkeeper Brendan Clarke had to go off just before half time in their loss to Bray and it remains to be seen if he will be back fit in time this game.
Cobh on the other hand look to have a clean bill of health, Dylan McGlade returned to the squad against Cork City but was an unused substitute.
Key Statistics
Cobh won this fixture all for times last season, including an impressive 3-0 in Athlone, Ian Ryan’s side will be looking to try and rebalance the scales in this one.
Athlone pick up five yellow cards last week against Bray and will need to be mindful of their discipline to avoid any early season suspensions.
Cobh on the other hand will need to tighten up their defence, they are currently among the bottom half of teams for goals conceded, while Athlone boast one of the most prolific attacks so far this season.
Key Players
Cillian Tollet will be crucial up front for Athlone, the 18-year-old, on loan from Galway United, has impressed so far in the midlands. He is currently top scorer for the club and will hope to add to his tally of two goals so far.
For Cobh another promising young player is Callum Honohan, brother of Josh, who is on loan from Shamrock Rovers this season. The 19-year-old dropped to the bench for the game against Cork but will be hoping to get back into the starting line up for this one and help tighten up the Cobh defence.
Previous Meetings
Athlone Town 0-3 Cobh Ramblers 29/08/2025.
Cobh Ramblers 2-1 Athlone Town 4/07/2025.
Athlone Town 2-3 Cobh Ramblers 23/05/2025.
Cobh Ramblers 2-0 Athlone Town 21/03/2025.