Nine match days are completed, and we already have our second managerial change in the First Division. Three weeks ago, Finn Harps parted company with Darren Murphy. Now, Athlone Town made the decision to move on from Dário Castelo.
Athlone Town vs Wexford
After four losses in a row, Athlone confirmed the departure of manager Dário Castelo “by mutual consent”, as the bottom-placed club stated on its website. In the last two seasons, Castelo led the team to the playoffs each time. However, a run of bad results led to the conclusion of making a change in the manager position. Against Wexford, who have collected seven points in their last three games, Danny Byrne, Declan Holohan and Robbie Rock will take charge on an interim basis.
Prediction Athlone Town 1 Wexford 2
Cobh Ramblers vs UCD
The form curve seems to speak for the Students who beat Longford 1-0 at Bishopsgate last week. On the other side, Cobh were defeated with the same result at Dundalk. The Ramblers, who still sit at third place in the table, are generally struggling at the moment, as they have lost three in a row. An improved performance against UCD will be necessary if they want to turn things around tonight.
Prediction Cobh Ramblers 1 UCD 0
Finn Harps vs Kerry FC
Having gathered five points from the last three games, the Harps are still undefeated under new manager Kevin McHugh. Will this run continue against Kerry? After a couple of disappointing results, the Kingdom racked up an important 3-0 victory against Athlone last week and hopes to build on this positive result.
Prediction Finn Harps 1 Kerry FC 1
Bray Wanderers vs Longford Town
Thanks to four consecutive victories, the Wanderers have established themselves within the top bracket of the league. Now, they are determined to lock in their current second place in the table after a difficult start to the campaign. Against Longford, who haven’t won a game this month (two losses, one draw), the hosts are clearly the favourites tonight at Carlisle Grounds.
Prediction Bray Wanderers 2 Longford Town 1
Treaty United vs Dundalk
The Shannonsiders are the only team so far to have collected at least a point against the league leaders. On matchday four, they came back from a 2-0 deficit and claimed a 2-2 draw at Oriel Park. Thus, the Lilywhites will be warned of the opponent’s qualities. “Every team in this division has a threat, and they definitely have a threat,” Dundalk manager Ciarán Kilduff explained to the Dundalk Democrat. He added, “They came up here and hurt us late, but that felt like a turning point for us. We’ve responded with five straight wins since, which is a great reaction to that night.“
Prediction Treaty United 1 Dundalk 1