LOI Report: Bohemians 2 - 2 Athlone Town

Bohemians and Athlone Town played out an eventful and entertaining 2-2 draw in the Airtricity Premier League at Dalymount Park on Friday night. James O' Brien's two goals for the visitors were cancelled out by Kevin Devaney and Dinny Corcoran who also missed a late penalty.

After a quiet opening quarter Athlone Town created the first opening of the game midway through the first half. Paul Skinner's long clearance was headed into the path of James O' Brien by Philip Gorman. O'Brien struck it on the half volley but Dean Delany managed to stretch and make the save.

However Athlone's number 16 was not to be denied by the Bohemians goalkeeper in the 26^th minute. Following neat buid up play by Athlone Kealan Dillon played it to Barry Clancy whose quick pass put O' Brien through on goal. He controlled it first time before placing it perfectly into the net.

Bohs threatened to score themselves just a minute later. Steven Beattie found space down the right and made his way into the area. He cut it back for Dinny Corcoran who just failed to apply the finishing touch.

Corcoran came even closer to scoring in the 39^th minute. He struck a fine long range shot from approximately 25 yards out was just wide of the post.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 47^th minute. Sean Brennan got the better of Jack Memery down the right hand side. His cross picked out Philip Gorman who hit the post but the rebound fell to James O'Brien who arrived to score his second of the game.

Owen Heary's side reduced the deficit in the 54^th minute. Substitute Kevin Devanaey who had just come on made an immediate impact. He went on an individual run from midfield and made his way into the opposition’s penalty area unchallenged before his shot went under Paul Skinner and into the net. Athlone manager Keith Long will probably not be happy with how his side defended that goal.

Some excellent defending from Derek Prendergast in the 70^th minute prevented a Bohemians equalizer. Corcoran flicked it into the path of Steven Beattie. Beattie looked certain to score but Prendergast managed to poke the ball back to his goalkeeper to clear the danger.

However Bohs did manage to get back on level terms six minutes later. The ball was played into the Athlone area. Their captain Alan Byrne sliced his clearance straight into the path of striker Dinny Corcoran who slotted it home.

Corcoran had a chance to win the match for his side in the last minute of normal time. His goal bound shot was blocked by the hand of Neil Harney. The Athlone substitute was given a second yellow card and then a red by referee Paul McLaughlin. 

Corcoran's penalty was heading for the bottom corner of the net but Paul Skinner dived low to his left to make the save. The game finished in a 2-2 draw. Athlone remain bottom of the table but showed the battling qualities which might give them a chance of staying up. Bohs will be disappointed after getting back into the match that they missed the chance to win it from the penalty spot.

Bohemians: Dean Delany; Anto Murphy, Dan Byrne, Aidan Price, Jack Memery; Keith Buckley (Kevin Devaney 54), Roberto Lopes, Eoin Wearen, Steven Beattie, Dinny Corcoran, Patrick Kavanagh (Karl Moore 83).
Subs not used: Ryan McEvoy, Jason Byrne, Jake Hyland, Craig Walsh, Gavin Moore.

Booked: Anto Murphy (60).

Athlone Town: Paul Skinner; Stephen Quigley, Derek Prendergast, Alan Byrne, Sean Byrne; Kealan Dillon, Mark Hughes; Sean Brennan, James O'Brien (Ian Sweeney 84), Barry Clancy (Neil Harney 68); Philip Gorman.
Subs not used: Derek Doyle, Graham Rusk, Thomas Mulroney, Dean Mahon, Jason Marks.

Booked: James O' Brien (37), Sean Byrne (45+1), Alan Byrne (69), Neil Harney, Sean Brennan (87), Sean Byrne (88), Derek Prendergast (90+2)
Sent off: Neil Harney (88).

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

Attendace: 1,034.

Extratime.ie man of the match: James O' Brien (Athlone Town).