Athlone Town 1 - 0 Finn Harps

• Diarmuid Kelly
• Wed, Apr 20 2011


Athlone Town won their second game on the bounce in Athlone on Tuesday night as they consigned Finn Harps to another demoralising defeat. Paul Danagher was the scorer of the solitary goal in the 36th minute when he met Kevin Williamson’s delightful corner with an emphatic diving header.

Going into this encounter both teams were seeking confidence boosting wins that would allay some of the fears surrounding their respective league positions. Indeed Finn Harps still flounder second from bottom after this defeat but Athlone have now soared into mid table and sixth position following Danagher's goal.

Conditions were perfect at Athlone Stadium, the fine weather and a good playing surface should have culminated in an entertaining spectacle but with both teams lacking in confidence the level of soccer on show didn’t live up to the billing.

Packie Mailey for Finn Harps came close in the opening stages when Williamson diverted his goal bound header off the line and Christy Conaghan tried his luck from distance but his effort didn’t trouble Schlingermann in the Athlone goal as both sides found it hard to create any clear cut chances from play.

Indeed it was more from honest industry that Athlone carved out a lead in the first half. Both Niall Scullion and Ronan Stack were tenacious in their pursuit of the leatherskin down the right side of the Athlone attack, and despite not garnering any clear cut chances for the hosts, forced numerous corners. It was from one such corner that Danagher got his goal. A great delivery from captain Williamson was met at the far post by Danagher whose header rose into the roof of the net.

After earning the decisive corner for the home side, Stack started to assert his ability on the right wing some more, and twice found himself in goal scoring positions, the first time however he got quickly sounded out by Mailey, a few seconds later though and the young winger did better, this time rattling off a shot that Ciaran Gallagher did well to pull into his body from close range.

Bobby Tier too came close for the hosts as they finished the half in boisterous form, after collecting the ball on the edge of the area the midfielder struck for the far top corner but couldn’t extend the lead going into halftime.

Finn Harps came out in the second half with a far more attack minded philosophy and put two up front in search of an equaliser. Oisin McMenamin replaced James Doherty and instantly joined Kevin McHugh up front. The new formation almost paid instant dividends as Tommy Bonner, found himself with a sight of goal but could only shoot straight at Schlingermann, who collected easily. It was a sign of things to come however as Finn Harps would go on to dominate the second half.

Mark Forker went close on the hour mark but dragged his effort wide with the goal at his mercy, and Bonner who was now coming into his own in midfield forced a wonderful fingertip save from Schlingermann with a powerful drive from twenty five yards.

McMenamin was the next to rue a miss as he too dragged wide from sixteen yards after some great play by Bonner down the left who set the young striker free in the 67th minute.

After weathering the storm since the beginning of the first half Athlone, who until now were penned back into their own box began to strike par with their Northern hosts, and without setting the world alight defended admirably through Williamson and Woods to see the game out. Indeed Tommy Barrett almost doubled the lead late on when his header sailed narrowly wide.

Finn Harps must find a goal from somewhere, they were not without chances but the ruthless streak that sets others in the division from them was all too evident. Athlone for their part rode their luck in many respects but will be delighted with the work of their defence and will be glad to have two confidence boosting wins underneath their belt.

Athlone Town: Michael Schlingermann, Niall Scullion (Brian Gill, 45), Kevin Williamson (c), Joe Woods, Paul Danagher, Tommy Barrett, Stephen Relihan, Bobby Tier (Ian Sweeney, 90), Ronan Stack, Brendan Daly, Colm Smith (Alex Gardiner, 59).
Subs Not Used: Scott Gaynor, Kevin Horan, Roy King, Darren Young
Bookings: None

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher, Conor O Grady, Paddy McLaughlin, Packie Mailey, James Doherty (Oisin McManimen,45), Gareth Harkin, Mark Forker, Keith Cowan, Christ Conaghan (Brian Curtis, 89), Tommy Bonner (Gary Merrit, 82), Kevin McHugh
Subs Not Used: Gary Whoriskey, Christopher Patton, Aaron O Hagan, Aaron MaAlwee
Bookings: Oisin McManimen (78), Gary Merrit (90)

Attendance: 100 (approx.)

Extratime Man of The Match: Joe Woods, the young defender was imperious at the back and repelled everything thrown at him.

Referee: Conor Fitzgerald