Waterford United travel to Lissywoollen to take on Athlone Town in their second away jaunt of the year this Sunday, March 29th (KO 5.00pm).

Athlone have made an impressive opening to the season, unbeaten in the first three matches, with 7 points to their credit, albeit none of them against any of the fancied sides in the division. Under new boss Brendan Place they have got off to a flyer, a far better start than that of the side which went on to draw with United on all four occasions last season.

With everyone else in the first division having already played this weekend, and early season favourites Shelbourne and UCD leading the way with maximum points, the Blues can ill afford a slip up even at this early stage. However, a two-goal win on Sunday will elevate them to fourth place – if still five points off the two front runners – and back into the title race where they want to be.

Apart from a couple of costly moments of inattention, Stephen Henderson can be happy with his side’s progress so far, in terms of performance, workrate, and creation of chances, and he is adamant there is much more to come, starting with Athlone on Sunday. Apart from Kieran Fitzgerald, who serves a one match carry-over suspension from last season, he will have a full squad to choose from. Paul McCarthy continues to struggle with a groin injury but should be available to play, as will Kenny Browne who will have recovered from a slight ankle knock.

Henderson Quotes:
On the Shels match:
“I am really disappointed. I felt we competed with them for the entire match and we were the team who created all of the chances. Unfortunately we switched off at the end and they punished us.”
“We had enough chances to finish the game off tonight.”
“We had options to get the ball out wide on a number of occasions but we did not take those options, and we will work on that during the coming week.”
“That is twice we have switched off this season and we have been made to pay.”

On the season ahead:
“We need to get points on the board from here on in, starting with Athlone next week. We have the players to do that and make a good challenge to win the league.”
“We are still gelling together and we will give this league a right go. I have put that pressure on myself, and I believe when we all get to know each other’s play we will kick on big time.”

 
Suspensions:
Kieran Fitzgerald (1 match – 8 yellow cards)

Injury Update:
Paul McCarthy (groin – slight doubt)

Top Scorers:
1 -     Willie John Kiely
         Gary Dunphy

Form:
League: DWL
All: (WWW)WD WL

Last Match: Waterford United 0  -  Shelbourne 1 (Madden 84)

Previous Meetings:
03rd Oct 08       L      Waterford United  v  Athlone Town           0 – 0
29th Jul 08        L      Athlone Town    v    Waterford United       1 – 1
20th May 08      L      Waterford United    v    Athlone Town       1 – 1
21th Mar 08       L      Athlone Town    v    Waterford United       0 – 0

Results This Season:
20 Mar 09           h            Shelbourne (LOIFD)                0-1        L
13 Mar 09           a            Wexford Youths (LOIFD)       1-0       W
07 Mar 09          h            Sporting Fingal (LOIFD)         1-1        D
28 Feb 09           h            Douglas Hall (MSC)                   2-0       W
20 Feb 09           a            Mayfield United (Fr)                4-1       W
13 Feb 09           h            Junior League XI (Fr)              3-0       W
07 Feb 09          a            Cork City (Fr)                              1-0       W

Betting:
Athlone: 13/8
Waterford: 6/4
Draw: 2/1