Athlone Town – Cork City

Athlone Town host league leaders Cork City in what promises to be a stark contrast of form. The home side sit seventh with 41 points from 31 games, having won 11, drawn eight and lost 12, and they trail their opponents by a healthy 27 points. Cork City sit atop the table on 68 points, boasting 21 victories, five draws and only five defeats, while their goal difference of +35 (64‑29) highlights their attacking potency. For Athlone, the challenge will be to tighten a defence that has conceded 36 goals this season, whereas Cork will look to extend their dominant run and keep the pressure on the title race. A win for the visitors would further cement their lead, while a surprise result could spark a late‑season surge for the mid‑table side.