ATHLONE TOWN are struggling to field a team because of payment issues at the club.

Alan Mathews’ side had just four substitutes listed for Saturday’s 2-1 away defeat to Cobh Ramblers.

Of the 15 players who travelled — just 12 of them were fit.

Daniel Molloy — who scored a late consolation goal — was the only player brought on.

Athlone have just four professionals on their books — Daniel Purdy, Brian Shortall, Philip Gorman and Aidan Collins.

They were all made available on free transfers during July’s League of Ireland transfer window.

The quartet all opted to stay put and are now owed money.

It is thought the club’s amateur players’ expenses payments are overdue and that has resulted in some being reluctant to take time off work to travel to away games.

Hopes of a cash injection through an FAI Cup run were dashed when they were defeated on penalties in their third-round replay against Sheriff YC nine days ago.