Treaty United return to Markets Field on Friday, looking to build on a strong bank-holiday weekend, which saw them pick up maximum points from clashes with Kerry and Bray Wanderers, scoring seven without concession.
Home comforts will see United hunt a third win on the spin for the first time this season, which is also the same of their opponents, third-placed Athlone. Tommy Barrett’s men now have a sniff of the play-off places but will need to continue this run, with a most congested middle part of the First Division table.
Barrett will look to Enda Curran again, while Willie Armshaw’s double in Wicklow on Monday arguers well for a squad that is still without some key players. Marc Ludden is nearing a return while it looks like Success Edogun will miss this clash with his former club.
For Athlone, they are the ‘best of the rest’, with run-a-away professional sides Galway United and Waterford looking unlikely to be caught by the chasing pack. Gordon Brett’s outfit also secured fine wins – away to Finn Harps and at home to Wexford last weekend.
Key has been striker Frantz Pierrot, whose five goals proved pivotal. Haji Abdikadir and Valeriy Dolya were also on target in Finn Park on Monday evening. These sides met on St. Patrick’s Day, with Athlone recovering from two goals down, to secure a draw with just ten men right at the end.
Tickets are available – priced €13 for Adults, €10 for Students, €8 for OAPs, €5 for children. Supporters are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance of the clash, via the club website.