First Division round-up: Athlone Town dismantle Longford Town as Kerry play out thriller with Bray Wanderers

Athlone Town picked rivals Longford Town apart with a thumping 4-1 win over their neighbours at Lissywollen on Friday night. 

The Co Westmeath have held the bragging rights over their local rivals in recent times and this was no different. 

Midfielder Aaron Connolly handed Athlone the lead on the stroke of half-time after Longford failed to clear a set-piece. 

And while there was little between the teams in terms of the scoreline when the hour approached, Athlone ran away with it soon after. 

Bastien Hery’s own-goal doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 65th minute. 

Defender Noah van Geenen then scored twice with hits in the 67th and 74th minute to pile the misery on their visitors. 

Jordan Adeyemo scored a consolation for Longford with time running out but there was still time for Mo Boudiaf to be sent off as the Red and Black endured a night to forget. 

Wayne Groves’ side remain rooted to the foot of the table with Athlone second. 

At Mounthawk Park, Kerry and Bray Wanderers played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. 

The Kingdom raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of a brace from Ryan Kelliher inside 25 minute. 

But the scores were level by the 29th minute with Darren Craven and Harry Groome on target for the Seagulls.

Kelliher scored to complete his hat-trick during the second half. 

But Ben Feeney - who has been dogged by injury issues for much of the season - equalised for Bray as they picked up a valuable point on the road. 

Meanwhile, Wexford breathed new life into their play-off push with a 3-0 triumph over Cobh Ramblers at Ferrycarrig Park. 

But they had to wait until the 66th minute to open the scoring through striker Aaron Dobbs. 

Mikie Rowe then scored from the penalty spot in the 74th minute before Darragh Levingston sealed it late on. 

James Keddy’s Slaneysiders are now just two points behind fifth-placed Bray Wanderers with a game in hand. 

Elsewhere, Eanna Clancy salvaged a point for ten-man UCD at home to Treaty United.

Former Sligo Rovers youth Clancy headed home on the hour for the Students after Mark Byrne handed Treaty a first-half lead. 

But the Sky Blues finished the game with a player less after Alex Dunne was dismissed for a second yellow in the 72nd minute. 

The Shannonsiders remain eighth and are seven points behind fifth-placed Bray Wanderers. UCD stay third and are now on 37 points. 

League leaders Cork City also claimed a 1-0 win over Finn Harps.

City are now 15 points clear at the summit and are coasting towards a return to the Premier Division. 

But they still needed to rely upon the class and skill of teenager Cathal O’Sullivan to win the game as he curled in a delicious winner for Tim Clancy’s men. Harps, while defeated, stay fourth.