Galway Utd 3 Athlone Town 2

Trailing to an early Philip Reilly goal, the Tribesmen hit back after the interval, putting their First Division opponents to the sword with three goals in the space of five minutes.

Athlone arrived with a squad littered with ex-Terryland favourites. Some had a point to prove to Galway boss Tony Cousins, who himself introduced five new faces for their first taste of action in maroon.

Galway captain John Fitzgerald almost grabbed an early goal from a corner, but was denied by former Utd U-21 ‘keeper John Egan. Vinny Faherty then came close to grabbing his first goal for the club, only to be frustrated by a smart block from Jim Sheridan.

The visitors eventually got into their stride, closing down quickly and forcing Utd into mistakes. With their first attacking foray of note, Athlone struck for the opening goal in the 14th minute.

Jason McCartney had already swung in two dangerous corners before Eric Lavine was upended on the right side of the area. McCartney again obliged with a whipped cross into the box, and Reilly, released by Utd in the winter, was well positioned to poke home from close range.

Utd’s new left-back Marc McCulloch almost grabbed an equaliser within five minutes, but the Scot’s free-kick was pushed behind by Egan. Aside from this, the visitors defended their lead with relative ease for the remainder of the half.

Colin Jinks came close to doubling Athlone’s advantage in the 28th minute, a deflected effort whistled just wide of Gary Roger’s upright. Utd’s new signing Mark Leech then found Jay O’Shea in space out wide, and the former Bray winger ran at the defence before curling a left foot shot narrowly wide.

Cousins’ half-time pep-talk had the desired effect as his team upped their work-rate. O’Shea found Leech unmarked on the edge of the penalty area. The striker took full advantage of the space and deftly chipped the ball over Egan for a fine goal.

On 53 minutes, Galway assumed control. Daryl Robson’s through ball released Derek O’Brien, who rounded Egan with ease to score. O’Brien was involved again a minute later as Utd completed their scoring blitz. Robson picked out the Kerry native on the left touchline and his deep cross located Leech at the far post, whose cushioned header found O’Shea who had drifted in from the wing. He calmly sidefooted to the bottom corner to give Galway breathing space.

A flurry of substitutions predictably followed as both managers used their benches. Athlone were rewarded for their persistence with a fortuitous goal on 72 minutes. John Lester defended well to block Padraig Moran’s effort behind for a corner. Unfortunately Lester’s attempted clearance from the corner was not as heroic as his diving header flew into the net past the helpless Rogers.

Athlone came closest to levelling with nine minutes remaining when sub Paul Curry headed straight at Rogers. Of the subs, John Russell and Shane Tracey fared best while youngsters Cian McBrien and Seamus Conneely also did well on their senior debuts.

Galway Utd: Gary Rogers; Regillio Noitmeer, Heiarara Hamilton (John Lester 46), John Fitzgerald (Seamus Conneely 55), Marc McCulloch (Shane Tracy 61); James O’Shea, Daryl Robson (John Russell 59), Gary Deegan (Ciaran Foley 59), Derek O’Brien (Cian McBrien 61); Mark Leech (Derek Glynn 59), Vinny Faherty (Stephen O'Flynn 59).
Subs not used: None.

Athlone Town: John Egan (Lee Gaffey 55); Ian Rossitter, Nigel Keady, Jim Sheridan (Anthony Hayes 55), Robbie Hamm; Niall Scullion (Darwin Dowling 46), Colin Jinks (Tommy Walsh 29), Philip Reilly, Jason McCarthy (Eoghan O'Shea 55); David O’Dowd (Padraig Moran 59), Eric Lavine (Paul Curry 75).
Subs not used: None.