Athlone Town youngsters remain unbeaten for the season

DDSL U16 ‘A’ Division

Tolka Rovers 1
Athlone Town 2

ATHLONE Town U16s put in a huge performance to advance to the third round of the Neviile Cup at Frank Cooke Complex in Dublin on Sunday.

Tolka Rovers play in the division above the Town but from the whistle, Athlone created chances; the first of which came when good work by Jack Bradbury Hughes on the right put in Robbie Forde, who teed-up Conor McCormack breaking from midfield. His shot had goal written all over it until the home ‘keeper produced a brilliant save.

Back came Tolka Rovers and the Athlone defence had to be at their best to deal with the lively home strikers. Barry Rohan in the Athlone goal was immense as he controlled his box, as both teams created chances. Slightly against the run of play, Rovers took the lead. Athlone lost possession in the middle and Tolka’s left winger took his chance very well to attack and cross into the area where the centre-forward finished well.

In the second half, Pearse Townsend was strong in the tackle to win possession and quickly feed the ball to Robbie Forde, who struck the crossbar. Everyone stood still except the impressive Daniel Reid, who followed up to head home Athlone’s equaliser. Athlone took the lead soon after when Eddie Nolan wput Sean McGrane away and he set-up Bradbury Hughes to finish a great move. This was with 30 minutes remaining and the Town continued to press forward. The back-four of Ciaran Lennon, Eddie Nolan, Dylan Molloy and captain Eoin Heavin were outstanding. Barry Rohan had a fantastic game and his handling and ball distribution was spot-on.

At centre midfield, the combination of Pearse Townsend and Conor McCormack showed-up brilliantly and on the flanks, Bradbury Hughes and McGrane were a constant threat. Robbie Forde was at his best linking-up play and up front, Daniel Reid put in a huge shift. Ronan Hynes replaced the injured Hughes on the right and his pace and energy added to the balance of the team. As Rovers pushed for a last gasp equaliser, Kyran Dockery replaced Forde and helped the Town hold firm.

It’s back to league action next weekend as Athlone bid to remain top of their division and keep their unbeaten run going.

Athlone Town: Barry Rohan; Ciaran Lennon, Eddie Nolan, Eoin Heavin, Dylan Molloy, Conor McCormack, Pearse Townsend, Robbie Forde, Jack Bradbury Hughes, Sean McGrane, Daniel Reid, Ronan Hynes, Kyran Dockery, David Fortune, Irwin Griffin, Daragh Kildea, Sean Pettit, Cameron Barr, Cathal Mannion.