Title challenging Cobh Ramblers make the three hour drive up the country to face an Athlone Town side sat firmly at the bottom of the First Division table.
Last Time Out
Athlone Town were in Donegal last Friday night and were defeated by a Finn Harps team high in confidence after advancing to the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup. One of the goals they conceded came from a set piece, while the other resulted from a poorly defended long ball won by Hans Kamta Mpongo. Athlone did pull a goal back through Dean Williams, but instead of being followed by an equaliser, it was followed by a Junior Thiam red card after a late challenge.
Cobh Ramblers will have been frustrated after dropping points to UCD last week. Unsurprisingly, Barry Coffey was on the scoresheet, but that wasn’t enough for Ramblers, who required a 95th-minute equaliser from defender Jonas Häkkinen. That result has damaged the little hope the Cork club had of being crowned First Division champions. Focus will now move onto Friday night as Mick McDermott’s side look to get back on track.
Previous Meetings
04/07/25 Cobh Ramblers 2-1 Athlone Town (League of Ireland First Division)
23/05/25 Athlone Town 2-3 Cobh Ramblers (League of Ireland First Division)
21/03/25 Cobh Ramblers 2-0 Athlone Town (League of Ireland First Division)
Key Players
In a season where Athlone have conceded 53 goals and have looked fragile defensively, Dylan Hand has perhaps been the exception to that. The 26-year-old has won 56% of his aerial duels this season and was particularly impressive in his previous meeting with Cobh, registering seven clearances, two shots blocked, three interceptions, and one tackle. Athlone Town will need a similar level of performance from the centre-back if they are to get anything from this game.
Barry Coffey has been the best player the First Division has to offer in 2025. When he is playing to the best of his abilities, it is very unlikely that Cobh will fail to come away with three points. Coffey has featured in all three meetings between the sides this season, scoring three goals and providing an assist in that time.
Prediction
Athlone Town 0-2 Cobh Ramblers
Having already beat Athlone Town on three occasions this season, you would expect Cobh Ramblers to repeat the trick on Friday night in the Lissywollen.
Key Information
Where to Watch: LOITV
Kick Off: Friday August 28th, 19:45
Betting Odds: Athlone Town @4/1, Draw @3/1, Cobh Ramblers @8/15
Referee: Darragh White