League Report: Athlone Town 3 - 0 Wexford FC
Athlone Town's Dario Castelo saw his side take all three points on opening night Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)
Athlone got their promotion push off to an explosive start with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Wexford at the Athlone Community Stadium. First half goals from van Geenan, Ibrahim and Oakley saw the Midlanders lay down an early warning to their rivals.
With five league debutants in their starting lineup, the hosts saw goals from two of those adding to an early header from Dutch defender Noah Van Geenan- assisted by fellow debutant Jarlath Jones. Former Longford Town forward Jamal Ibrahim failed to hit the net for the Midlanders in 20 appearances for Black and Reds but opened his account for their Midland rivals just past the 20 minute mark to double the lead after a free kick was blocked.
29 year old American Armado Oakley was also debuting for the home team and he too pounced on a rebound to net a third for Athlone ahead of referee Chris Sheehan’s half time whistle.
James Keddy made a trio of substitutions at the break as he looked to shake things up a bit for the visitors with Aaron Robinson, Reece Webb and Thomas Oluwa taking to the field. Their arrival sparked the Slaneysiders into action with both sides carrying a threat in the opening exchanges of the second half.
However, despite that improvement in the second half, it wasn’t enough to deny Enda Minogue his first clean sheet of the season- his second shutout in his last three home games against Wexford.
Much to ponder for James Keddy as his side host Longford Town at Ferrycarrig Park next weekend while his opposite number Dario Castelo will be preparing for the long trip to a Cobh Ramblers side outwitted by three goals to one at Treaty United tonight..
Athlone Town: Enda Minogue; German Fuentes Rodriguez, Jarlath Jones (Shane Forbes 87), Daniel McKenna, Noah van Geenen; Aaron Connolly, Dylan Hand, Jamal Ibrahim (Brian Torre 68), Carl Mujaguzi (Oisin Duffy 85), Armado Oakley; Dean Ebbe (Divine Izekor 70).
Subs not used: Andrew Trainor, Matthew Leal, Gideon Tetteh, Gabriel Padilla, Dylan Gavin.
Booked: Jarlath Jones (80).
Sent off: None.
Wexford: Owen Mason; Ethan Boyle, Kaylem Harnett (Thomas Oluwa 46), Darragh Levingston, Benjamin Lynch; Kian Corbally (Carl Lennox 76), James Crawford (Aaron Robinson 46), Mark Hanratty, Luka Lovic (Cian Curtis 64); Brandon McCann (Reece Webb 46), Mikie Walsh-Rowe.
Subs not used: William Gaul, Alex Moody, Aaron Dobbs, Oisin McDonagh.
Booked: Owen Mason (20), Darragh Levingston (50).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Chris Sheehan.
Attendance: 834
