An unusual Bank Holiday Monday on the road for the Kingdom comes in the form of a tie away to Athlone Town tomorrow night, a game rescheduled due to Kerry’s continued run in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup.
Kerry come into the game off the back of an agonising 2-1 defeat at the hands of the students of UCD on Friday evening. Ronan Teahan pulled one back midway through the second half, but the Dublin college stood strong and held on for a win, which confirms their play-off places once again in 2025.
For Kerry, the play-off looks nearly set to be put on hold for another season. Treaty United’s victory over tomorrow night’s opponents on Friday stretched their lead to 11 points over Kerry. While the Kingdom have a game in hand and face Treaty next Friday night, 5 points over 4 games might now be too much of a stretch with games running out.
A win tomorrow will confirm that Kerry not finish in the wooden spoon tenth place in the league for the first time in the club’s history, some will say that is progress in itself. With a live televised Cup semi-final coming up, it’s set to be a positive end to the season for the new boys as the upward curve continues to rise.
Meanwhile, our hosts, Athlone Town need a huge run of form to avoid a bottom-place finish, and even that mightn’t be enough for the Midlanders. Manager Ian Ryan only came in midway through the season and there is no doubt an upturn in fortunes for the club’s men’s side next season.
Matchday 32
Athlone Town AFC v Kerry FC – Monday, September 22nd – 19:45 Kick Off – Athlone Town Stadium
Previous Meetings – All Competitions
Kerry FC Wins 5 Draws 3 Athlone Town Wins 4
Did You Know?
Kerry recorded their biggest ever win in League of Ireland history the last time the sides met. Kerry were 4-0 winners in a fantastic night for the club in Mounthawk Park. Kerry’s run to the cup semi-final also included a game against the Midlanders, Kerry needing extra time to win out 2-1.
Injury Update
Colin Healy will likely once again rotate his squad, given that the team are playing 3 games in 7 days. Niall Brookwell missed the clash against UCD on Friday and will be assessed. The club are also waiting on the fitness levels of goalkeeper Matthew Connor, who left the action after 45 minutes on Friday night. Chris McQueen left the field bandaged but should be ok to feature, while Ryan Kelliher, Nathan Gleeson and Tim-Oliver Hiemer all remain unavailable for the Kingdom.