Town end season with dismal home defeat
by Kevin O'Neill Updated: Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011 5:30pm
Athlone Town 0 Monaghan Utd 5
ATHLONE Town's season came to a dismal end when they suffered a heavy defeat to promotion chasing Monaghan Utd at Lissywollen last Saturday night.
With the visitors right in the promotion race prior to kick-off, and Athlone having little but pride to play for, such an outcome was always a distinct possibility. And once the visitors deservedly opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, it was plain-sailing for Roddy Collins' side.
It was a disappointing way for Athlone to round off a campaign during which they've largely held their own in a competitive First Division.
However, Athlone have struggled this season when facing the division's better teams, and with so much at stake for Monaghan, it was little surprise the Gortakeegan-based outfit cruised to the three points.
Despite winning here, Monaghan's victory wasn't enough to guarantee automatic promotion, with Cork City and Shelbourne ensuring those spots. The Ulster side now go into a promotion-relegation play-off against the Premier Division's bottom side, Galway Utd (with the first leg due to take place last night). As the Tribesmen have only managed one win all season in the top flight, many observers have tipped Monaghan to see off Galway in the play-off.
With the members of Athlone Town's successful 1981 title-winning side watching from the stands, Athlone's players had it all to do to impress, but Monaghan raced into a three-goal lead by half-time.
The visitors completely bossed possession during the opening period, and with former Athlone striker Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien leading their frontline, it seemed inevitable that Monaghan would soon take the lead.
In the opening minute, Athlone 'keeper Michael Schlingermann was out quickly to intercept a through-ball by the impressive Ryan Brennan, and then Schlingermann held on tightly to a Sean Brennan free-kick. O'Brien then headed past the post as Monaghan turned the screw.
In the 12th minute, a lovely flowing move ended with Paul Whelan driving a shot at Athlone's goal, but Schlingermann managed to help it over the bar. During this attack, Monaghan had no less than six players in Athlone's penalty area, clearly indicating a desire to get an early goal.
Schlingermann dived well at the feet of Jordan Keegan, following fine play by John Reilly, before Paul Danaher was caught in possession for Athlone, and O'Brien worked an opening for Reilly. But Jamie Carr got back in time to block O'Reilly's goalbound effort, as Athlone were getting outplayed.
Unsurprisingly, Monaghan made the vital breakthrough in the 23rd minute. Athlone struggled to clear the ball at the edge of their penalty area, and when the loose ball fell to Keegan, he lashed home a brilliant low drive.
It was 2-0 within a minute. This time, Monaghan worked the ball down Athlone's left. The move ended with Reilly crossing low for O'Brien to tap home from inside the six-yard box.
Athlone were defending in hapless fashion and at this stage, it was merely a case of how many Monaghan would score. The home side forced their first corner kick in the 29th minute, but Kevin Williamson's flag-kick was punched away by Gabriel Sava.
Sean Brennan went close with a 20-yard free-kick, before the same player then capitalised on horrendous defending, by both Danaher and Mark Walshe. Thankfully, for Athlone, Schlingermann was able to push Brennan's curled effort away from goal.
Six minutes before the interval, Monaghan were in cruise-control, as Athlone shot themselves in the foot again. This time, Williamson gave away possession on the edge of Athlone's area, and when the ball broke to Aidan Collins, the Monaghan defender had the simple task of going around Schlingermann and tapping the ball into the net.
Monaghan's intensity was proving too much for Athlone, who were merely passengers in the first half, and spent the majority of the period chasing shadows.
Away manager Roddy Collins was so comfortable that at this point that he found time to embrace almost every member of Athlone Town's 1981 title-winning side, who passed the Monaghan bench on the way to the players' tunnel. The appearance, at half-time, on the pitch of the 1981 heroes was a much-needed lift to Athlone supporters, and the club deserves praise for the way they managed their return.
In the second half, Athlone never looked like getting back in the contest, despite throwing on a second attacker in the shape of Tommy Barrett.
More haphazard defending allowed Sean Brennan make it 4-0 after 52 minutes, and Schlingermann then pushed Reilly's good drive over the top.
Jordan Keegan grabbed his second of the game on 72 minutes to make it a five-star performance for Monaghan.
The visitors' night was slightly tarnished after the bizarre sending-off of substitute Keith Quinn. The young midfielder was introduced to the fray in the 65th minute, but was sent off (without having touched the ball) less than two minutes later (for a crude challenge on Athlone's Jason Hughes).
Tommy Barrett should have got a consolation for Athlone in the 75th minute. His initial header was pushed away from goal by Sava, but Barrett then blasted the rebound off the crossbar and over. Young substitute Niall Boland showed glimpses of his potential with a couple of well-struck long range efforts, but Sava had the answers to his questions.
The 2011 season is now finished for Athlone, who have battled their way to an eighth placed finish (out of eleven teams).
Athlone Town: Michael Schlingermann; Damien Rushe, Jamie Carr, Mark Walshe, Paul Danaher, Roy King, Davy Ryan, Stephen Relihan, Kevin Williamson, Mark Sherlock, Jason Hughes. Subs: Tommy Barrett for King (HT), Declan Fallon for Carr (61 mins), Niall Boland for Rushe (63).
Monaghan Utd: Gabriel Sava; Paul Whelan, Shane Grimes, Aidan Collins, Alan Byrne, Eric Foley, John Reilly, Ryan Brennan, Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien, Sean Brennan, Jordan Keegan. Subs: William McDonagh for Collins (55 mins), Keith Quinn for R Brennan (65), Michael Isichei for S Brennan (73).
Referee: Keith Callinan.
