Ramblers are back on the road this week as we travel to county Westmeath to face Athlone Town. Both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways, after respective defeats last time out. Our Munster Derby last Friday went the way of Waterford, who won 3-1, Jack Doherty scoring from the penalty spot for Cobh. Meanwhile Athlone were beaten 1-0 away to Bray Wanderers by a late second half goal.

We’ll be looking to continue our impressive away form this season, which sees us undefeated on the road, having picked up 8 points from 12 whilst on our travels. Athlone had started the season strongly but have struggled for form in recent weeks, having only picked up 4 points from a possible 18 since their last home win on matchday two.

The two sides shared plenty of goals across the four meetings last season. The Rams beat Athlone 3-2 on two separate occasions, with Athlone also securing two wins with a 3-1 victory and a 5-2 thriller in our last visit to Westmeath.

Ramblers will remain without captain Jason Abbott through injury while Michael McCarthy and Brendeán Frahill remain concerns having missed the Waterford tie. 18 year old Charlie O’Brien impressed on his debut at centre back when called in to deputise and the Youghal man will look to be involved again this time out.

David Dunne will be the referee for Friday’s contest and Friday’s match will kick off at 7:45pm, with LOITV streaming live the Athlone Town Stadium. Single match passes or season passes can be purchased here.

League form Guide:

Cobh Ramblers: D/W/L/D/W/L

Athlone Town: L/L/D/W/L/L

By Glenn Farrelly