Gameweek 2 of the League Of Ireland is fast approaching and Athlone Town and Treaty United will be looking to put the opening night of the season behind them as they clash at Lissywollen on Friday night.
Opening Night Disappointment:
It wasn’t a Valentines day to remember for either of the 2 sides last Friday as both sides experienced defeat.
Athlone Town travelled to Dundalk and a Vincent Leonard goal in the 36th minute meant Dundalk got their title challenge off to the best possible start.
For Treaty United, Supporters leaving the Markets Field last Friday night will have been left wondering, how they didn’t come away with 3 points having been 2 goals in front with 84 minutes on the clock. Goals from Richkov Boevi and Lee Devitt looked to be getting Treaty United off to the best possible start but 3 quick fire goals from Cian Coleman, David Bosnjak and Cian Murphy ensured the Munster derby went the way of Cobh Ramblers to kick start their charge for promotion.
Friday night’s results saw Treaty United and Athlone Town sit 6th and 7th respectively in the league table but with plenty of football left to be played.
Tale Of The Tape:
Friday Night will be the 16th meeting of the sides in the First Division with Athlone Town winning on 5 occasions, Treaty winning 7 and there being 3 draws.
Athlone Town completed the clean sweep of the fixtures last season managing to win all 4 of the games.
Bookies Favourite:
Athlone Town come into this game as the favourites with the Bookies having them as Even money while Treaty United are coming in at 11/5.
LOITalk Prediction:
Having been at the Markets Field myself last Friday night, I was impressed with some aspects of Treaty United’s performance. I am hoping that the trend from last season of getting ahead in games and managing to come away from the game with 0 points doesn’t continue. Tommy Barrett put the late collapse down to a “lack of experience” and a lack of game management but looking at the players on the field, There was plenty of experience on the field to be able to see that game out. Some of the players might be young but they have been around the League Of Ireland a good few years now.
I do think Treaty United can come away wit a result on Friday night. We have some exciting attacking players, the likes of Karl O Sullivan is going to be massive for us. The midfield of Lee J Lynch and Lee Devitt will get us goals. I don’t think there will be much between the sides on Friday night, Some are putting Athlone Town up there with the likes of Cobh Ramblers and Dundalk so it will be a good test for this Treaty United side to see what they are going to be up to for the season.
LOITalk Prediction: Athlone Town 2-2 Treaty United
You can watch Athlone Town V Treaty United on LOITV with kick off at 7:45PM