Limerick 37 0 - 0 Athlone Town

Limerick and Athlone played out a dull stalemate at Jackman Park tonight in a match that was in stark contrast to Mike Kerley side’s 5-1 win over Waterford United at the same venue last Friday night.

As predicted in the match preview, Limerick found it extremely difficult to break down Athlone’s defensive style but they can only blame themselves for missed chances and an all round poor performance especially compared to last Friday’s memorable result against Waterford United.

It was Dermot Lennon’s side that started the game the better of the two sides. Athlone quickly got chances that their early determination and possession deserved. Noel McGee nearly tested debutant Limerick goalkeeper Brian Collopy but the young keeper raced off his line to collect Ian Rossiter’s out swinging cross.

It was not until the 15th minute that Limerick began to play football the way they are capable of. They had a great opportunity to open the scoring when Paul Walsh easily beat the full back with his trademark skills but John Tierney was unable to finish off the pacy cross.

Limerick then picked up the pace and with encouragement from the home crowd, they pushed on looking for that all important opening goal. It nearly came after half an hour when midfielder Dave Ryan’s close range volley was superbly pushed over by Ciaran Kelly.

Both sides had their share of possession before the half time break but with no other chances to report on, it stayed 0-0 as referee Kieran Callanan blow his whistle for half time which was welcomed by both sides.

The second did not produce many more scoring opportunities than the first half but Brian Cleary came the closest when he narrowly headed wide a Dave Ryan cross.

Chances came few and far in between but when they did it was the hosts that looked the more likely to opening the scoring. Despite Limerick’s frightening pace up front, they could not break down the Athlone defensive in the second half.

Credit to Mike Kerley’s side they continued to play the ball on the ground and tried to break down the Athlone defence but with no reward. A combination of last ditch defending and an excellent performance by Athlone goalkeeper Ciaran Kelly kept the visitors in the game.

Saying that, Athlone had their fair share of opportunities but they never seemed to threaten Brian Collopy in goals. Carmine Russo had Athlone best chance off the second half but he somehow managed to volley over from just inside the penalty are to the relief of the shaky Limerick defence.

Substitute Chukwuma Manjor should have got a winner for the home side in the 84th minute but his header lacked power and conviction and it did not even trouble Ciaran Kelly in goals. John Tierney had the last chance for the hosts to win the game but his close range shot was cleared off the line in the dying seconds of the game.

Limerick 37: Brian Collopy; Wayne Colbert, Tommy Barrett, Paul Danaher, Brian Cleary; Jason Hughes, Thomas Lyons (Chimka Manjor 64), David Ryan (Bobby Tier 64), Paul Walsh; Garry Sheahan, John Tierney.

Athlone Town: Ciaran Kelly; Ian Rossiter, Des Hope, Phillip Reilly, Robbie Hamm; Carmine Russo, Colm Jinks (Ian Coffey 53), Anthony Hayes, Joey Maloney (Robbie Egan 90), Jason McCartney; Noel McGee (Dave O'Dowd 76).

Referee: Keith Callanan.

Attendance: 649

Extratime man of the match: Ciaran Kelly (Athlone Town) – He kept Athlone in the game with some vital saves throughout the game.