Athlone Town take a break from league action this evening (Friday 19th) when they welcome 24 times cup winners Shamrock Rovers to Athlone Town Stadium in this Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup 3rd Round tie Kick off 7.45pm.
Last weekend Athlone suffered their fifth defeat in a row when they lost out by the odd goal in three against Cobh Ramblers in St Colmans Park. Despite the result it was a game that they will be disappointed in not securing at least a point after bringing the game back to 1-1 with Town goalkeeper saving a penalty before they gave away another almost immediately after which Cobh scored.
This will be the second meeting of the sides this season with Athlone losing out by a score of 3-0 in the EA Sports Cup Second Round back in April.
Although Shamrock Rovers are seen as the cup specialists having won it on 24 occasions they last lifted the cup back in 1987 which was also their last season in Glenmalure Park. Since then they have lost out in three finals most recently in 2010 against Sligo Rovers a game best remembered for former Athlone Town goalkeeper Ciaran Kelly saving all of Shamrock Rovers penalty kicks after the game finished scoreless AET.
Colin Fortune has no suspensions but faces into a mounting injury list with long term injured Craig Shortt and Tom O’Halloran still missing out along with Jack Quinn, Aidy Byrne and Claudio Silva.
After signing for the club a few weeks ago from Salthill Devon Jason Lyons is now available for selection and is expected to make the matchday squad.
Joey Maloney who was sent off last weekend is still available for this game as his automatic suspension is for the tie against Cabinteely next Friday when they return to league action.
Kick off in Athlone Town Stadium is scheduled for 7.45pm.