Athlone manager Tom Coffey knows that his charges will have to be at their best to see off the challenge of The Downs in Sunday's SFC quarterfinal.

TEG Cusack Park is the venue for this clash between two sides that have mixed results throughout the campaign so far, but both will be looking to progress to the semi-finals.

Coffey told the Westmeath Independent that they need to find some momentum going into the game, something that has eluded them so far this year.

"They are a very good side who have invested in their underage structures and that investment is coming to fruition now. They play a fast attacking style of football and we are expecting more of the same on Sunday," said Coffey.

"If you look at their group games, their record speaks for itself so there's no doubt that it's going to be a tight affair. The Downs have been have a great campaign so far, they are a well balanced side and play with a sense of urgency and energy."

He added: "For some reason or other our summer hasn't really got any momentum, we had a couple of good performances at the start of the championship but in our last outing, we were heavily beaten by St Loman's."

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