We return to the scene of our only away league win last campaign (indeed our only 2023 league win overall), but Athlone have been transformed since their takeover by Valeo, as evidenced by their current second placing. Their transfer policy has been ambitious, and Kerry fans will need no introduction to either Axworthy or Gaxha! The Tralee man is already enjoying a far more successful spell at Lissywollen than in his six months at Eamonn Deacy Park, having opened his account last Friday, and seemingly instantly integral to his new side. As for Kerry, the main concern at the moment appears to be overall squad strength, though matters should ease somewhat this week, as despite Ronan Teahan's suspension, Kennedy Amechi becomes available again, while the signing of Cian Barrett also adds to midfield options. On the injury front, it remains to be seen if either Tuta or McCarthy will be fit in time for tomorrow, while the situation with Kevin Williams remains unclear. Overall, it seems highly unlikely that Kerry can take any points away from the Midlands tomorrow, but as Athlone aren't a high-scoring side, one goal may suffice to secure a result.
I would have been confident of a positive result before Gaxha signed for them. I can only hope that with Kerry's familiarity of him, they will know how to reduce his influence on the game.
After a win against Cobh away in the cup and a reasonable performance away to Cork, it is not beyond Kerry to go to Athlone and get a positive result. They'll have to cut out the defensive sloppiness from last week.
Williams and McCarthy have left the club I hear. Williams going to Malta. Not sure what the story is with McCarthy.
If Galway wanted to do anything with McCarthy, then they needed to cut his loan short before last Sunday, which AFAIK they haven't done.
Williams and McCarthy now confirmed as departures.
Two players gone and two points dropped. A disappointing day for Kerry. Okwute missed a good chance to put Kerry 4-1 up. Lack of a killer instinct. Sloppy mistakes the difference between the current position and challenging for the playoffs.
That’s 4 points dropped in the last 3 league games from a position of total dominance and comfortably leading. I guess that happens when you have 3 teenagers and 11 under 21s playing (of the 14 played) - that’s the only reasonable defence for it!
Ref was a shocker - for both teams..
I suppose it is the only defence for the indefensible! 25 points from 26 games would at least be a fairer reflection. With 10 games to go, Kerry will need 15 points to get to 36. There is arguably 7 or 8 winnable games. 5 wins will do.
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