Every game is a big game and some games are bigger than others but none are as big as the "Midlands El Classico" which takes place this Friday evening.

Longford Town Football Club go into this game unbeaten this season with one win and two draws from their first three games, their game against Galway last weekend fell foul of the weather, while Athlone have won three and lost one of their four league games so far, results which put Athlone third in the table separated from the top two only on goal difference. To date Longford have only conceded one goal which was in their 1-1 draw with Cabinteely while Athlone have conceded four, two in the 4-2 win over Wexford and two in the 0-2 loss to Shelbourne. However on the other side of that coin Athlone have scored six while Longford have scored four albeit that Longford have played one game less all of which means that there is very little between the two teams.

The last time Athlone won a game against our neighbours was back in 2013 though they came very close to it last season when the corresponding fixture ended in a 1 - 1 draw.

However, this year is different as there is an air of self belief about the team that Terry and Mitch have brought together and they will go into this game more than just hoping for a result but with confidence that they can end the long drought of "El Classico" wins.

So if you only go to one game this year then this has to be it and it would be great to see a full house of Town supporters getting behind the team to help them to get the win and stay at the top of the table.

Kick off in the Athlone Town Stadium is at 7,45pm on Friday evening

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