League Report: Shelbourne 2-1 Athlone Town

A fifth goal of the season for top scorer Derek Prendergast and a cool finish from Aaron Ashe gave Shelbourne an impressive 2-1 victory over Athlone Town at a misty and wet Tolka Park.

Jason Lyons pulled one back for the visitors, who had new manager Roddy Collins looking on from the stands, but the home side held out for the three points.

Shels started the game in seventh place, one spot behind the visitors but now leapfrog Athlone in the standings as they celebrate scoring for the first time in four league outings.

The home side dominated proceedings in the opening half with Aaron Ashe, and particularly Adam Evans, lively up front.

Athlone were restricted to some mazy dribbles from Conor Barry and a David Brookes header from a Jose Viegas free kick which looped over Dean Delany’s crossbar.

Half time arrived without Shels making the breakthrough although they had enjoyed the bulk of the possession.

They created a number of chances and even had the ball in the net through David O’Leary but the whistle had long gone for a foul on Igor Labuts, the Athlone netminder.

The midlanders have been in the news off the field with the ongoing investigation from the FAI but it was hard to fault the effort of the players on the pitch.

Forced into a late change when Frederic Hernandez withdrew during the warm-up, Athlone played a tight, controlled game, at least in the first half. They lacked penetration although they did give Shels some anxious moments late on.

Central defender Derek Prendergast had just been yellow carded when he rose in the box to head home David O’Leary’s 58^th minute right wing free kick to give Shels a vital lead.

The former Cork City midfielder impressed with his calm play in midfield, aided and abetted by the skilful Dayle Rooney.

The second goal arrived eight minutes later. Jack Tuite tried to slide the ball through for Aaron Ashe. The Athlone defence appeared to have it covered but the ball squirmed free and Ashe slid the ball low into the right corner of Labuts’ net.

The assistant referee flagged for offside but after discussion referee Andre Mullally pointed to the centre circle.

Substitute Ryan Gaffey thought he had scored for Athlone 20 minuts from time as his acrobatic overhead kick was parried by Shels’ keeper Dean Delany and Gaffey stabbed home the rebound, but the assistant referee flagged offside.

Athlone did earn a consolation on 79 minutes. Niall Scullion raced down the right wing and planted a fine cross into the six yard box, which striker Jason Lyons blasted home.

Try as they might, Athlone couldn’t find the equaliser but they did give the home crowd some cause for concern.

Equally, Shels could have added to their tally and Owen Heary’s men will take much encouragement from this result.

Roddy Collins will also take some positives from the midlanders’ battling performance as he takes over the Athlone reins.

Shelbourne: Dean Delany, Jack Tuite, Derek Prendergast, Alan Byrne, Reece McEnteer; Lorcan Shannon (Jackson Ryan, 58), Mark Hughes, David O’Leary, Dayle Rooney; Aaron Ashe (Niall Lanigan 82), Adam Evans (James O’Brien 90+2).

Subs not used: Jamie Quinn (GK), James Brown, Dylan Grimes, Michael Murphy.

Booked:. Reece McEnteer, Derek Prendergast, Alan Byrne.

Athlone Town: Igor Labuts;, Joe Dyer David Brookes, Niall Scullion, Cormac Rafferty; Ethan Keogh, (Ryan Gaffey, 56) Colm Coss, Jose Viegas, Christophe Rodriguez; Conor Barry, Jason Lyons.

Subs not used: Conor Gleeson (GK), Peter Walsh, Sean McGrane, Joe Carmundy, Conor Layng, Frederico Hernandez.

Booked: None.

Referee: Andrew Mullally.

Attendance: 400 (estimate).

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Adam Evans (Shelbourne).