Aspirations for a positive season will be to the fore in Lissywollen on Friday night as Athlone Town commence their League of Ireland First Division campaign.
The hosts welcome Wexford to the Athlone Town Stadium for a 7.45pm fixture and complete with new signings will hope for a repeat of their 2023 league campaign when 14 victories realised an end of season play-off berth.
Under the guidance of Dario Castelo, the Town were defeated by Waterford FC in a two-legged play-off semi-final fixture, the victors eventually earning promotion to the Premier Division.
Prior to the season’s start Athlone have contested five fixtures, advancing to the next phase of the Leinster Senior Cup courtesy of a win over Maynooth Town and a draw with Shamrock Rovers, the team’s third round robin contest realising a home loss to Longford Town.
The Town have also hosted two friendly fixtures at Lissywollen, tasting defeat to St Patrcik’s Athletic (0-1 ) and Shelbourne (1-3 ).
Striker Frantz Pierrot has departed for Drogheda United and his goalscoring prowess will be missed by the promotion aspirants having netted 22 times during the club’s 2023 campaign.
Three of Athlone Town’s first five league fixtures are away from home with trips to Cobh Ramblers (February 23 ) and Finn Harps (March 1 ) to follow after the contest with Wexford.
Athlone Town will then host Kerry (March 8 ) before journeying to the capital to play UCD on March 15.
