Bitesize Prediction: Cobh Ramblers vs Athlone Town – 04/07/25

Competition: Irish First Division

Market: Cobh Ramblers win

Odds: 2/5 @ Pribet

Two sides who find themselves scrapping it out at opposite ends of the First Division table, Cobh Ramblers will welcome Athlone to St. Colman’s Park on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Cobh might have found themselves at the heart of a First Division relegation scrap last season, the Ramblers have made a string of improvements this time around. Already cementing their spot as one of Ireland’s ultimate surprise packages, Mick McDermott’s men are enjoying what has become a real purple patch. Opening Friday’s showdown sat in silver medal position and just four points adrift of climbing to the top of the table, Cobh find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Despite falling to a 1-0 loss away at title rivals Dundalk last time out, that is the only defeat that the Ramblers have suffered from any of their previous six consecutive First Division appearances. Likewise, it should also be highlighted that McDermott’s side have gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil. Last seen at St. Colman’s Park landing a 1-0 victory against Kerry, the promotion dreamers have won five of their previous six showdowns in front of their own supporters.

As for the visitors, putting in what was a woeful display last time out as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming at home against Bray, Athlone Town find themselves at the heart of a nightmare rut. Sat rock-bottom of the First Division table and putting just 15 points on the board, Ian Ryan’s men have only continued to show a string of glaring issues. Registering just a pair of points from any of their last seven appearances, Friday’s guests have also landed just a sole win from their previous 17 consecutive attempts – a run that stems all the way back to March 14th. Last seen on their travels getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 loss against Longford, it should also be noted that Athlone have lost their last three straight matchups on the road by an aggregate score of 8-3. Likewise, losing six of their last seven matchups outside Lissywollen, we are expecting a home victory this weekend.

Bet: Cobh Ramblers 2/5 to beat Athlone Town in Friday’s Irish First Division contest @ Pribet