Cobh Ramblers return to action this evening, travelling to bottom placed Athlone Town to commence the second half of the 2022 First Division season.

The Rams have won both meetings between the two clubs 3-2 this year, so plenty of goals are to be expected again tonight. Cobh’s last outing was a 4-2 home defeat to fellow Midlands club Longford while Athlone were 3-0 losers in Bray in their final game before the break. Tonight’s home side are yet to win in 2022, and without a point from their past seven encounters.

The two LOI stalwarts have met 83 times in total, with Ramblers winning 44, Athlone winning 20 and 19 draws. Cobh are unbeaten in four against the Westmeath side, stretching back to May 2021.

Captain John Kavanagh is still out of action but the experienced right back has returned to training. James McCarthy (groin) and Beineón O’Brien Whitmarsh (hamstring) will also miss out. Michael McCarthy and Tiernan O’Brien are completing their Leaving Cert and will not be involved. Dale Holland, Issa Karigbo and Conor Drinan are all ready for selection however, as is Darragh O’Sullivan Connell. back from suspension and Luka le Bervet Bardsley will come into the squad from the 19s for the first time.

The club can confirm that Fionn Duggan, Alan Happi, Nathan O’Connell and Alex Hill have left the squad.

The game is available to watch live on LOITV here.