- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, May 07 2021
Andrew Dempsey reports from Tolka Park
Ryan Brennan’s 55th minute goal was the difference between Shelbourne and Athlone Town on Friday evening at Tolka Park.
Brennan stabbed home just before the hour mark to give his side the win, and the elusive three points to send them into second position after seven league games.
Shels have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their First Division campaign, but trailed Athlone by a point prior to kick-off time at Tolka Park.
The Reds were undone last weekend by a late Clyde O’Connell equaliser for Treaty United – while the Blue and Black of the Midlands came into the game reeling from their shock home defeat by Cabinteely.
The game was the first time the teams met since Shels’ FAI Cup humiliation in October 2020, as a then struggling Athlone thumped the then Premier Division outfit at Lissywoolen by four goals to one.
However, both squads have altered quite substantially since – with Shane Farrell being Shels’ only survivor in their starting XI, and Athlone having none.
Following last week’s fixtures, the two sides made changes, with Ian Morris’ Reds welcoming back Luke Byrne while Athlone also recalled Jonny Carlin to the fold.
And it was the hosts who went closest early on, but Michael O’Connor saw his shot blocked by an Athlone defender’s foot.
The ex-Waterford striker was found by a low cross from Shane Farrell, but he was unable to convert.
The visitors grew into the game shortly after – although they did have to weather a Shels storm of sorts.
Yoyo Mahdy forced a save from Michael Schlingermann, before Derek Daly almost headed into his own net, but the ball just went over the bar.
Athlone’s first notable attack of the game saw James Doona go close from distance. However, the former St Patrick’s Athletic winger saw his thunderous strike go over the bar.
The Midlanders then saw a raft of crosses cleared last ditch by the hosts defence as they laid siege to Brendan Clarke’s goal for a spell.
As the half petered out somewhat before the break, Kevin O’Connor went close to breaking the deadlock with a free-kick, but Schlingermann turned his set-piece around the post.
They would go even close seconds before the half-time break, but Daniel McKenna was on hand to clear Ally Gilchrist’s goalbound header off the line as the sides went in scoreless.
But McKenna and Athlone were unable to deny Shels their opener ten minutes into the second-half, as Brennan gave the hosts the lead.
The former Drogheda United midfielder stabbed home after some hesitancy in the Athlone defence with his second effort on goal.
Shelbourne enjoyed a spell of dominance after Brennan’s strike, with Michael O’Connor seeing his goal-bound half-volley cleared off the line by McKenna again.
Shane Farrell’s follow up shot from distance was then beaten away by Athlone ‘keeper Schlingermann who helped his side through a rocky spell.
JJ Lunney then went close himself on the edge of the penalty area, but Schlingermann tipped the ball around the post.
Mahdy then saw his header crash off the bar – before Lunney went close again moments later as his shot just went wide after he turned on a sixpence to make space for himself.
Shels onslaught continued late on, as Dale Rooney saw his shot crash off the butt of the post after some great play from Georgie Poynton.
All in all, it was a deserved win for Shelbourne who stifled an Athlone side who were devoid of attacking ideas in the second-half at the Drumcondra venue.
Shelbourne: Brendan Clarke; Ally Gilchrist, Luke Byrne, Michael Barker, Kevin O'Connor; Shane Farrell (Dayle Rooney 72), Ryan Brennan (George Poynton 78), JJ Lunney, Brian McManus; Yoyo Mahdy (John Ross Wilson 83), Michael O'Connor.
Subs not used: Maxim Kouogun, Alex Cetiner, Jack Brady, Glen McAuley, Sean Quinn, David Toure.
Athlone Town: Mícheál Schlingermann; Derek Daly, Jonny Carlin, Killian Cantwell, Dylan Hand, Daniel McKenna; James Doona, Jamie Hollywood (Brandon McCann 84), Adam Wixted; Kurtis Byrne (c) (Jack Reynolds 79), Shane Barnes (Stephen Meaney 71).
Subs not used: Oisin Duffy, Scott Delaney, David Brookes, Tristan Noack Hofmann, Kayleum Rice, Jack Watson.
Booked: Derek Daly (8) ,Shane Barnes (35) Jamie Hollywood (41).
Referee: David Dunne.
ExtraTime.ie Player of the Match: Daniel McKenna (Athlone Town).
