IT Carlow 5 - 1 Athlone IT

Despite falling behind early on in the game, IT Carlow eventually gained a stranglehold in Frank Cooke Park on Tuesday evening to secure the CUFL Premier Division title in comprehensive fashion.

It wasn't always plain sailing for Paul O'Reilly's charges but, with a whole host of League of Ireland players in their side, (including Bohs’ netminder Craig Sexton) they had more than enough in their artillery to see off an overwhelmed Athlone IT.

Things could have worked out completely differently though as, with just three minutes gone on the clock, Athlone IT took the lead when Bohemians defender Neil Harney brilliantly curled a 25-yard free-kick past his club-mate Sexton from a tight angle on the left. The execution was inch perfect from Harney, and it gave Athlone an excellent platform to build on.

Carlow were somewhat shellshocked to fall behind so early on, but they eventually regained their composure, and had their first opportunity of the game 14 minutes in when Tom Elmes lashed over on the half-volley following a terrific cross-field pass from full-back

Daniel Ledwith. This would spark the beginning of a decent spell from Carlow, who were starting to dominate possession more and more as the half wore on.

Athlone, on the other hand, were finding it hard to get their front men involved in the action, and were having to contend with two very pacy wingers in the form of Adam Hanlon and Ben Ryan. They were dealing extremely well defensively, however, with both Harney and Kevin Dunne providing plenty of leadership whenever Carlow threatened their goal.

Yet, just when it looked like they were coming to terms with the Carlow attack, they were hit by a sucker punch after 32 minutes, as midfielder Ray Foy was on hand to provide the finishing touches to an Elmes cross from the right.

This acted as a major confidence boost for Carlow, and they went desperately close to taking the lead three minutes later, when Barry O'Mahoney's drive from all of 30 yards came crashing off the Athlone crossbar, with Bernard Power beaten all ends up.

That being said, his opposite number Danny Turano (of Italy's AC Rivoli) also hit the woodwork with a long-range effort with a minute of normal time remaining so, on balance, 1-1 was probably a fair reflection of the way the game had panned out during the opening

period.

There was still a feeling that Carlow might be able to step up an extra gear after the re-start, as they were starting to come into their own towards the end of the first half. They managed to maintain this momentum upon the resumption and they would take the

lead just three minutes into the second period when O'Mahoney drilled home from the edge of the box after an incisive lay-off by the industrious Elmes.

Having executed a fine defensive game plan for much of the opening 45 minutes, Athlone suddenly found themselves having to chase the game, and they sought to address this situation by introducing Spain's Francisco Gomez for David Kelly on 54 minutes.

However, it was Carlow who would come up with the next response, as Longford Town star Noel Haverty finished to the net from a corner just four minutes later for what would prove to be the decisive score of the contest.

This goal from Haverty further deflated the Athlone challenge, and though they did their utmost to force their way back into the game (with substitutes Andrea Balestra and James Morrissey providing much-needed fresh legs upon their introduction), they were finding it difficult to create too many clear-cut goal scoring chances against a stern Carlow rearguard.

It was 62nd minute replacement Gary Shaw who would have the biggest impact off the bench, though, as the former Bray Wanderers man finished coolly past Power from a tight angle on the right with 20 minutes remaining for his side's fourth goal of the tie.

This effectively put the tie beyond any doubt, and even though Harney, Dunne and Daniel Cunningham were doing their level best to try and address the slide, Athlone were simply coming off second best on a night when they were badly missing the services of injured local lad Stephen Relihan.

IT Carlow, on the other hand, were still creating chances at will, and eventually registered their fifth goal with eight minutes remaining, as O'Mahoney’s shot from outside the area was deflected to the Athlone net for his second goal of the evening.

This would prove to be the last meaningful action of the game, as IT Carlow cruised to victory in the end, much to the delight of their vociferous travelling support who, along with the Athlone crowd, contributed handsomely to an excellent atmosphere on the night.

IT Carlow ultimately went home the happier of the two sides, however, and on the basis of this game, have a number of players at their disposal who will have big futures in the Airtricity League.

IT Carlow: Craig Sexton; Noel Haverty, Jamie Carr, James Scallan, Daniel Ledwith; Adam Hanlon (Karl Keogh 90), Craig Wall (Arminas Balevicius 86), Ray Foy (Aaron Humphries 74), Ben Ryan (Chris Kerr 83); Barry O'Mahoney, Tom Elmes (Gary Shaw 62).

Subs not used: Michael Schlingermann, Ross Kenny.

Athlone IT: Bernard Power; James Furlong (Richard Alade 80), Neil Harney, Kevin Dunne, Adrian Torres (James Morrissey 63); Flavio Squillante, Aidan Reilly (Andrea Balestra 63), Daniel Cunningham, David Kelly (Francisco Gomez 54); Enda Morris, Danny Turano.

Subs not used: Dean Clarke, Gary Martin, Khalafi Mehdi.

Referee: Tony McGuinness.

Extratime Man Of The Match: Barry O'Mahoney (IT Carlow).