First round victory for Athlone Town

Profile by Kevin O'Neill Updated: Tuesday, 21st April, 2009 3:52pm

Athlone Town 3 Longford Town 0

ATHLONE Town comfortably sealed their passage into the second round of the EA Sports League Cup thanks to a second victory.

Brendan Place"s Athlone had defeated Longford 1-0 in a First Division league match last Saturday week before also ending Alan Gough"s side"s League Cup ambitions.

Athlone, who on this occasion saw off Longford courtesy of a brace from Emeka Onwubiko and Stephen Place"s first goal for the club, go forward to meet early First Division pace-setters UCD in the second round.

Athlone made two changes from the team which beat Longford in the league at Flancare Park, with Des Hope rested and Damien Rushe missing through injury. Central defender Kevin Dunne came in for his fourth start of the season and Ciaran Reilly replaced Rushe in midfield.

Longford made three changes from the previous encounter with Gary Curran, Michael Lee and former Ballinasloe Town striker Liam Lynch coming into the side. Among those to drop out were former Athlone players Colm Jinks and Adrian Murphy, but Longford"s starting line-up still contained four ex-Athlone players.

In the opening minutes, Athlone "keeper Aaron Shanahan reacted well to palm away Gary Curran"s near post drive as Longford began the game well.

Jason McCartney then squandered a couple of excellent opportunities for the visitors, failing to hit the target twice when in very good scoring positions.

Athlone"s first genuine assault on the Longford goal saw Robbie Benson"s left wing cross pick out Stephen Place at the back post but his header missed the target.

On 20 minutes, Place got in behind the Longford defence, outrunning Brian McCarthy, but Alan Gough blocked his effort. Place then tried to pick out Emeka Onwubiko but his cross was slightly overhit.

The opening half"s best chance arrived on 42 minutes but Tom King was brilliantly denied by Shanahan after McCartney and Glynn worked the opening for Longford.

Longford also started the second half with a flurry but Liam Lynch missed a couple of fine opportunities, particularly when he blazed over the bar from just six yards.

Onwubiko gave a sign of things to come when his stinging drive had to be pushed clear by Gough.

Athlone took the lead in the 63rd minute when neat play by Noel McGee and Brian Cleary, who both had excellent games, set up Place to calmly slot past the advancing Gough.

Place"s outstanding work rate and commitment this season meant his first ever goal for Athlone was hugely deserved.

Athlone found the net again four minutes later when Onwubiko cut in from the right flank and curled a precise effort into the far top corner of the net.

McGee almost got the goal his contribution merited but hit the side netting with just Gough to beat.

Athlone worked a delightful move on 80 minutes with Cleary and O"Reilly working the ball into a crossing position for Benson, whose delivery picked out the inrushing Robbie Hamm but his superbly struck volley flew inches wide.

Athlone were not completely outplaying and outrunning the opposition, and Longford looked visibly drained at the prospect of losing another local derby to their near rivals.

Gough saved well again to deny McGee but could do nothing when Onwubiko"s last minute curler flew over his head and into the roof of the net to polish off an assured performance by Athlone.

Goalkeeper Aaron Shanahan continued to boost his growing reputation with another fine display while Brian Cleary had undoubtedley his best game yet in an Athlone shirt. Others to catch the eye on the night for Athlone were teak-tough defender Thomas McGauley, the exciting yet unpredictable Onwubiko, and Brendan Place"s front pairing of Noel McGee and Stephen Place.

The next round of the League Cup is scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday May 4/5.

ATHLONE TOWN: Aaron Shanahan; Robbie Hamm; Brian Cleary; Thomas McGauley; Kevin Dunne; Ciaran Reilly; Emeka Onwubiko; Anthony Hayes; Stephen Place; Noel McGee; Robbie Benson. Subs: Cathal Joyce for Place (87 mins).

LONGFORD TOWN: Alan Gough; Ray Kenny; Tom King; Jim Sheridan; Brian McCarthy; Gary Curran; Carmine Russo; Michael Lee; Liam Lynch; Derek Glynn; Jason McCartney. Subs: Colm Jinks for Russo (67 mins); Brian Murtagh for Lee (77); Owen Hoare for Glynn (81).

REFEREE: Jim McKell.