League Report: Athlone Town 1-2 Galway United

Galway United moved joint top as they overcame a spirited Athlone Town side on Friday night. Two second-half goals from Manu Dimas and Wilson Waweru put them into a commanding position. They saw out the win despite some late jitters.    

It was another disappointment for the home side who have lost their opening four games. Despite a promising opening period in this match, and a late push at the end, they were unable to deal with the strength of the westerners.  

Athlone were missing the suspended Glen McAuley after his red card against Cobh. United only made one change from the side who beat Treaty last time out. Stephen Walsh had been a doubt going into the game but started on the bench. He was on a run of four goals in recent games. Jordan Adeyemo took his spot in attack. 

Both started the game in a positive fashion. A miscommunication in the Galway defence saw Success Edogun race through before Conor Kearns was able to block the chance. Jordon Adeyemo then had an effort at the other end which was saved by Michael Schlingermann. 

Athlone were causing problems for themselves at the back with some loose passes and both Mickie Rowe and Wilson Waweru had efforts that were off target. A rare break then saw Thomas Oluwa pick up a lofted ball from a defensive clearance. He lacked the support to make much happen and his weak shot went straight at Kearns. 

Athlone began to gain a measure of confidence as the half went on. Edogun was presented with two great chances to open the scoring. The first was a first time shot from over thirty yards after he was found in space by Youri Habing. The retreating Kearns was just able to tip it over. 

The second was more presentable after Oisin Duffy turned Stephen Walsh inside out before putting in a decent cross. Edogun turned his man, but his composure let him down on the chance. A late chance was presented to Adeyemo after Waweru skipped past Schlingermann. Van Geenan was able to block the chance off the line.  

John Caulfield was visibly seething with some of the slack play from his own forwards and tackles he felt unawarded for his side. Given their form so far, he knew his side were underperforming.  

That was reflected at the start of the second half when he made two substitutes and a change in formation. Galway went three at the back and started to flood the midfield with runners from deep. Athlone’s bright play begun to evaporate as they were pushed further and further back. 

When the lead goal arrived, it was not from the expected route. Killian Brouder launched a long throw into the box which was flicked on by substitute Manu Dimas. It had enough height on it to loop over the grasp of the despairing Schlingermann. 

The Westerners were in complete control at this point and limiting the home side to very little opportunities. Conor McCormack and Diego Portillo were responsible for much of this stranglehold. A second goal arrived and bizarrely it too came from a throw in. Brouder sending it in and Waweru turned to backheel it into the net before anyone could react.  

Galway seemed to be content at this position to see out the game without exerting themselves looking for another goal. They began to sit back to play on the counter. It led to Athlone getting themselves back into the game however. Ed McCarthy was robbed in possession in midfield and Oluwa sped forward. He played it out to Edogun who was able to evade the tackle of McCormack and rifle it into the bottom corner. 

All the pressure in the closing stages was from the home side as they desperately tried to gain an equaliser. Galway were almost caught out on a long throw themselves as Aaron McBride flicked it on. Conor O’ Keeffe hacked it away with Edogun lurking behind him. Oluwa went to ground moments later from a long ball. He was adjudged to have gone down too easily.   

Delight for the travelling fans as Galway go joint top with a game in hand. They are back in the midlands again next Friday as they face Longford. Athlone have the daunting trip to Cork City on the same evening.     

Athlone Town: Mícheál Schlingermann (c); Derek Daly (Carlton Ubaezuonu 42), Cian Kelly, Aaron McBride, Noah van Geenan; Youri Habing (Quincy Nkansah 58), Success Edogun, Oisin Duffy, Jackson Hulme (Gary Armstrong 65), Stephen Kenny; Thomas Oluwa.
Subs not used: Andrew Skerritt, Daniel Dobbin, Andy Spain, Donal Curtin, Cameron Mulready, Aaron Connolly, Sami Clarke.
Booked: Noah van Geenan (17), Jackson Hulme (63).

Galway United: Conor Kearns; Killian Brouder, Alex Murphy (Stephen Walsh 28), Conor O'Keeffe, Diego Portilla (Charlie Lyons 74); David Hurley, Edward McCarthy, Conor McCormack, Wilson Waweru (Francely Lomboto 83); Jordan Adeyemo (Manu Dimas 46), Mikie Rowe (Gary Boylan 46).
Subs not used: Matthew Connor, Evan O'Connor, Dean O'Shea, Max Hemmings.
Booked: Manu Dimas (60) .

Referee: David Keeler
extratime.com Player of the Match: Conor McCormack

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