Published: Wednesday, 30th June, 2010 5:00pm

Bennion praises young guns after Jekyll and Hyde display

FOLLOWING last weekend's topsy-turvy performance against Monaghan Utd, Athlone Town captain Chris Bennion was full of praise for the club's young local players - but equally perplexed at the manner in which his side squandered a 4-0 lead at Lissywoollen.

The Town played some outstanding football as they built up a four-goal advantage by the 65th minute, but they then inexcusably collapsed late on, allowing Monaghan to take an unlikely point from the game (see page 33 for report).

But with Athlone facing mid-table Shelbourne at Tolka Park this Friday (8pm), Bennion feels Athlone need to immediately get last Saturday's memory out of their minds.

Bennion said it's difficult to point to positives after squandering a four-goal lead, but he was hugely impressed by several of the Athlone natives in the team, who possibly wouldn't be regarded as first-team regulars.

Niall Scullion, Stephen Relihan, Kevin Williamson and Tom O'Halloran caught the eye in midfield, while Irish underage international Robbie Benson netted twice.

"I thought the whole midfield was outstanding," said Bennion.

"I hope the supporters see that things are coming along. I think this time last year there was an air of doom and gloom about the club, but I think over the next few years Athlone can keep improving and make a concerted effort to compete for promotion. I'm not saying it's going to happen this year, but just look at the promise of these young players. For me, Robbie Benson's ability speaks for itself and has been well documented, but, in my opinion, young Stephen Relihan is a highly promising player. He was outstanding against Monaghan and could be a major player in this division," added Bennion.

The Town goalkeeper said everyone in the team must accept responsibility for last weekend's late collapse, and that manager Brendan Place is not to blame for their failure to hold onto the lead.

Athlone travel to Tolka Park this Friday, a venue which doesn't carry the same intimidation as in recent years, with Shels struggling to make an impact on the division this season.

Austin Skelly and Brian McCarthy are both back in contention after serving suspensions against Monaghan, and Bennion feels Athlone can win the game.

"I think the players know we're good enough to go there and get three points," said Bennion.

Athlone Town Under-17 Trials

Meanwhile, new Athlone Town under-17 manager Mickey Collins is holding open trials next week in a bid to develop a squad capable of competing in the Dublin & District Schoolboy League.

Collins recently took up the post and is wasting little time holding open trials, with anyone who believes they're capable of playing at this level welcome to attend at the Athlone Town Stadium in Lissywoollen.

The trials begin next Thursday (July 8) at 3pm, and continue the next day, Friday, at the same time.

There will also be a further trial on Saturday, July 10, at 11am.