Athlone Town 1-0 Mervue United

• Davy Dully
• Sun, Mar 14 2010


Athlone Town took all three points on Saturday night as they defeated a hardworking Mervue United by a single Brian McCarty goal just after half time.

The game began brightly with both sides having an equal share of possession and swapping chances to take the lead. Mervue’s David O’Dowd was the first to create an opportunity. Picking up the ball outside the Athlone penalty area, he rushed the shot and blasted over. Minutes later, Austin Skelly, who worked tirelessly all night, collected the ball outside the box but his effort went narrowly wide.

Athlone keeper Chris Bennion was equal to all Mervue had to offer, but he almost was caught out when his clearance was blocked by Rory Gaffney who shot narrowly wide from a tight angle.

Gaffney was again involved when a Brian McCarty error allowed the Tuam man to shoot inside the box, but Bennion managed to get down and save well to his right. Moments later McCarty made amends for his defensive mistake rising highest from an Athlone set piece to head past Ger Hanley in the Mervue goal.

Set pieces were causing Mervue trouble and after some good off the ball movement, Des Hope found space for a header but his attempt went narrowly wide at the far post.

In injury time Athlone’s Stephen Caffrey was dismissed for an off the ball incident where he appeared to hit out at one of the Mervue players. From the resulting free kick Mervue came close but the ball was cleared off the line and with it any hope of an equaliser.

Overall it was a beneficial outing for Athlone Town who played the better football and who looked the better team. Athlone are unbeaten in the league with six points from six and two clean sheets.

Afterwards a delighted Brendan Place told extratime.ie “I’m delighted with the lads; it was a great win and a good team performance”.

Athlone Town: Chris Bennion, Mark Nolan, Des Hope, Brian McCarthy, Eoghan O'Shea; Richie O’Hanlon (Stephen Relihan, 91), Stephen Caffrey, Gareth Kenna, Kevin Williamson (Robbie Benson 70); Robbie Farrell (Noel McGee, 70), Austin Skelly
Subs not used: Michael Schlingermann, Gordon Watson

Mervue United: Ger Hanley; Nicky Curran, Darren Young, Eric Browne, Damien O’Rourke; Kevin Crehan, Gerry Burke (Mike Tierney, 72), Pat Hoban (Dan Cunningham, 60), Rory Gaffney (Enda Curran, 70); David O’Dowd, Ollie Keogh
Subs not used: Kenny Farrell, Padraig Lally

extratime.ie Man of the Match: Austin Skelly (Athlone Town)

Referee: Conor Fitzgerald

Attendance: 402