Monaghan come from behind to clinch victory over Athlone

Athlone came away empty-handed from this League of Ireland First Division clash against Monaghan Utd at Lissywoollen last Saturday night - despite Andrei Georgescu giving the home the lead shortly before half-time. Ultimately, two second-half goals by Monaghan striker Karl Bermingham gave the visitors all three points in a windswept encounter in Athlone. Andrei Georgescu had given the hosts the lead just 5 minutes before the break but the Ulster side turned the game on its head with two well taken goals in the second half. After last week's hard fought result away to Shelbourne, manager Brendan Place opted for a 4-3-1-2 formation with Kevin Horan keeping his place in the starting eleven playing alongside Noel McGee up top. Athlone had the first chance of the game with central midfielder Anthony Hayes getting an early look at goal but his long range effort was always rising after good work from Robbie Benson and Horan. Noel McGee then suffered an injury scare just ten minutes in as he looked to hold his hamstring after racing in on goal but thankfully for Athlone he was able to continue on. Des Hope then had a similar opportunity to the one that presented itself to Hayes earlier on and indeed it had a similar end result as Hope fired over from range after a set-piece had broken down. Athlone were enjoying large spells of possession towards the end of the second half with the trio of McGee, Benson and Horan linking well together. Mark Sammon then got his first sight at the target on 36 minutes when he let fly but his effort was saved well by young Monaghan 'keeper Aaron McCarey with Franco Georgescu coming in from the right flank ready to pounce on any spillage. McCarey was then a little less convincing just minutes later when he juggled the ball after a Niall O'Reilly cross, but he managed to claim it before it went over the line. The Lissywoollen outfit then made their pressure count when they opened the scoring on 40 minutes. McGee picked up possession out wide and found Georgescu at the back post with a lofted cross who made no mistake as he headed the ball back into the far corner of the net. McGee then had a chance to make it 2-0 just a minute later but his right footed effort was deflected and looped harmlessly into McCarey's arms. Mark Sammon also had a chance to add to their tally but he failed to really test the 'keeper as the teams went into the break with Athlone one to the good. Now with the wind at their backs, Monaghan started the second half much better then they had the first with Cathal O'Connor seeing his low drive tipped around the post by Barry Andrews in the Athlone goal. On 52 minutes, Barry Clancy's free-kick was saved comfortably by Andrews after Kevin Dunne had committed a foul just outside the penalty area. McCarey was called upon once more in the 55th minute as he had to be alert to deny Sammon who had fired towards the bottom corner. Kevin Horan was forced off with an ankle injury just shy of the hour mark as Monaghan continued to dominate proceedings. Right full Paul Whelan then had a looping strike tipped over well by Andrews in the 65th minute but Monaghan wouldn't have to wait too long until they had dragged themselves level. Bermingham picked up the ball at the corner of the box and curled the ball into the far corner of the net with the outside of his boot to find the equaliser with a fine finish. Monaghan kept the pressure up and if it wasn't for Hope's dominance in the air, they surely would have had more chances to find a second. That second did eventually come however as Monaghan found the winning goal with just a minute of normal time left to play. After a long punt up the pitch, Bermingham drilled the ball home with his left foot to seal victory for his side and confirm their position in 5th place in the league. Athlone now look to their last home game next Friday evening as promotion chasing UCD come to town. Brendan Place has several injury worries ahead of that fixture with Tom O'Halloran, Noel McGee, Robbie Hamm, Kevin Horan, Stephen Place, Ciaran Reilly, Austin Skelly and Gary Murphy all rated as doubtful to play. Athlone Town: Barry Andrews, Niall O'Reilly, Des Hope, Kevin Dunne, Davie O'Connor, Franco Georgescu, Mark Sammon, Anthony Hayes, Robbie Benson, Kevin Horan Noel McGee. Subs: Gary Murphy for Horan (60 mins). Monaghan United: Aaron McCarey, Paul Whelan, Shane Grimes, Niall Flynn, Brian Gartland, Alan Byrne, Cathal O'Connor, Stephen McCrossan, Karl Bermingham, Davie Freeman, Barry Clancy. Subs: Daragh Hannaphy for Freeman (60 mins), Don Tierney for McCrossan (65 mins). Referee: Stuart Templeman.