Ian Foster is expecting a “decent test” in his first game as manager of Dundalk when Athlone Town are the visitors to Oriel Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2pm). The game is one of six planned pre-season friendlies and gets the Lilywhites’ preparations for next month’s Premier Division kick-off underway in earnest after pre-season training started last week, while it will also see long-serving goalkeeper Chris Bennion make a swift return to the border venue after recently signing for the Midlanders.

'Decent test'
“It will be a decent test for the boys,” Foster told dundalkfc.com. “Athlone will come here and get the ball down and play, and it will be a decent level of football for the players. Ultimately, it’s just about getting fitness. Of course, you want to win every game, but it’s about the lads getting minutes on the pitch, getting match practice, getting back into the swing of things, and it’s an opportunity for myself and Wayne (Hatswell) to have a look at one or two individuals. That’s what we’re using it for, that’s what pre-season games are for and it’s an opportunity for players to get up to the level of match fitness – you can only get match fitness by playing matches.”

Drinks promotion
After that comes the English Premier League meeting of Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 4pm), again on the big screen, while later on in the evening, from 10.30pm onwards, Paul Brannigan will provide live music. To celebrate Foster’s first game in charge of the club, all drinks (including Foster's!) will be €3 up until the music starts, with all soft drinks priced at €1.80.

Complete Running Order for 'Super Sunday':
12:00: Bar opens
12:15: Dunfermline v Celtic live on the big screen
14:00: Dundalk v Athlone Town live at Oriel Park
16:00: Chelsea v Arsenal live on the big screen
22:30 until late: Live music from Paul Brannigan

We hope to see you all there, and remember that all profits from the bar goes straight back into Dundalk FC.

Drogheda Date Change
Dundalk FC has announced a change of date for their Malone Cup tie with Drogheda United, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday 16 February at Oriel Park. Due to UEFA Champions League action on the same night, the game has now been put back 48 hours to Thursday 18 February, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Ticket prices
Ticket prices for Dundalk’s three home pre-season friendlies have also been announced. For the visits of Athlone Town next Sunday, 7 February, and Shelbourne two days later, there will be a €9 admission charge for adults and a €5 admission charge for concessions and juveniles – both for stand and ground. Category B prices from last season, which can be seen below, will come into play for the Drogheda game.

TICKET PRICES FOR ATHLONE TOWN & SHELBOURNE FRIENDLIES
Adult – Stand & Ground: €9
Concessions & Juveniles – Stand & Ground: €5

TICKET PRICES FOR DROGHEDA UNITED JIM MALONE CUP MATCH
General Stand: €17
Concession Stand: €12
General Ground: €12
Concession Ground: €9
Children U14: €5

Confirmed Friendlies
Sunday 7 February – Dundalk v Athlone Town – Oriel Park, 2pm
Tuesday 9 February – Dundalk v Shelbourne – Oriel Park, 7.45pm
Saturday 13 February – Bray Wanderers v Dundalk – Goldenball, Kiltiernan, 2pm
Thursday 18 February – Dundalk v Drogheda United – Oriel Park, 7.45pm (Jim Malone Cup)
Friday 26 February – Monaghan United v Dundalk – Gortakeegan, 8pm