"We have to keep battling." - John Caulfield, Manager
by Tom Byrne
Galway United travel to Lissywollen this Friday to face Athlone Town at 7.45pm.
United take on a struggling Athlone Town outfit this week at the Athlone Town Stadium. The Tribesmen will be targeting another victory to heap more pressure on Shelbourne after defeating the league leaders last week at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Shane Doherty, Killian Brouder and Ruairi Keating hit the Shels net before the away side scored a consolation goal to secure an impressive 3-1 win over Ian Morris' side. Second-placed United are now seven points off Shels with eight games to go.
Athlone Town will be under new stewardship for Friday's fixture after Paul Doolin replaced Adrian Carberry as manager earlier this week.
Athlone were defeated 6-0 by UCD at the UCD Bowl in their most recent First Division outing, which leaves them in sixth place on the table, eight points off playoff positions.
United manager John Caulfield wants no complacency from his team as they prepare for their clash with Athlone Town on Friday evening.
"The most important game for us is Athlone," Caulfield told the club's
media team.
"Every week is a different challenge. We can't be complacent when we go to Athlone on Friday. We won't take the points if we are not at our best.
"As I have said from the start, the league will come down to the last six or seven games as we turn into the final third of the season. We have to keep battling away and make sure we stay in the playoff positions.
"It was a good win last week but we are concentrated on the Athlone game now. We are in the business end of the season with eight games to play."
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Team News
Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning remain unavailable due to long-term injuries.
Carlton Ubaezuonu also remains out of action due to injury.
Ruairi Keating, Mikie Rowe and Shane Doherty face late fitness tests
after picking up knocks.
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Athlone Town V Galway United
Athlone Town Stadium, 7.45pm
Referee: Gavin Colfer
Assistant 1: Darren Carey
Assistant 2: Shane O'Brien
Fourth Official: Paul Norton
Last Meeting (First Division)
11 June 2021 | Galway United 2-1 Athlone Town
Galway United Goalscorers: Ruairi Keating, OG
Athlone Town Goalscorer: Shane Barnes
