Shelbourne to beat Athlone Town and under 4.5 goals 21/20 for Friday’s Irish First Division contest

Competition: Irish First Division

Market: Shelbourne win and under 4.5 goals

Odds: 21/20 @ 888sport

Only looking to widen their buffer at the top of the table this weekend, Shelbourne will make the trip to Athlone Town on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Athlone might have managed to land themselves a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Cabinteely on the road last time out, it does not cover what has been a sluggish run for The Town. Losing their spot in the top-half of the table and failing to bounce back from that eight-goal thriller against a struggling Wexford earlier in the month, Adrian Carberry’s side have won just one of their last six First Division matchups, a run that stems back to May 21st. Facing what is an extremely tough test on home soil this weekend, Athlone should also be concerned by their most recent meetings against the runaway leaders. Suffering a 1-0 loss when they faced off against Shelbourne back in May, they have lost five of their last six meetings against this weekend’s opponents.

As for the visitors, while Shelbourne would have been disappointed to have settled for a point against Treaty last week, Ian Morris’ side appear to be cruising towards an immediate Premier Division return. Only enjoying what has been a real romp this season and opening up this weekend’s fixtures sat holding a commanding nine-point buffer at the top of the table, The Reds are yet to taste a single defeat from any of their opening 15 First Division showdowns. Mustering themselves a stunning 15 points from just their previous nine second-tier contests, Shelbourne will also be boosted by their rampant record against Friday’s hosts. Continuing to shine at both ends of the pitch, we’re backing what should be another away victory for Morris’ high-flyers this weekend.

Bet: Shelbourne to beat Athlone Town and under 4.5 goals 21/20 for Friday’s Irish First Division contest @ 888sport