Athlone have no answer to powerful Limerick outfit in Kennedy Cup opener

Kevin O'Neill Athlone & District Schoolboy League's Kennedy Cup campaign began in disheartening fashion on Monday evening, when they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Limerick District Schoolboy League at the University of Limerick. Athlone have never been heavy-hitters at this highly rated under-13 tournament, but a defeat of this nature was certainly not anticipated in their opening outing of this year's competition. Athlone simply never got going and had a disastrous start, conceding four goals within the opening 15 minutes, and they never recovered from such a destructive blow. Limerick had some outstanding performers on the day and striker Joel Coustrain lit up the contest, netting once and playing an instrumental role in most of his team's attacking moves. Coustrain was more than capably supported in the Limerick team by the likes of Jack Harrington and classy midfielder Jamie Bronell, who was wearing number 13 for the Limerick outfit. Athlone looked far inferior physically, and couldn't penetrate Limerick's solid defence which was well marshalled by Michael Guerin, Killian Brown and Ryan Earls. Athlone's Charlie McMickan and Aidan Byrne tried their very best to give Athlone a glimmer of hope, but Limerick were just too strong all across the field, and could have added some more goals as the game reached its end. Athlone were a goal behind by the second minute. Looking very nervous, Athlone allowed Bronell to burst through the middle of the field and set up another one of Limerick's ace performers, Niall McNamara, who drove a fierce strike past the helpless Jason McHugh and into the roof of the net. It was soon 2-0, as McNamara again found time and space to execute a fine finish, and Athlone's confidence looked to be taking a battering at this early point. Before there was ten minutes on the clock, Coustrain made it 3-0, and his goal was fully deserved considering the outstanding performance he produced. Coustrain's strength, poise and attacking nous were simply too much for an Athlone defence that tried really hard but found the going extremely tough. Bronell's strike in the 14th minute made it four for Limerick, and it was basically game over at this point. Evan Dalton's free kick represented Athlone's first attempt at goal, but Limerick 'keeper Edward Doyle, a powerful figure, held it easily. The willing Aidan Byrne then cut inside on his left foot but Doyle again gathered comfortably. Credit to Athlone, they kept going, but Limerick were always in control of the game. Charlie McMickan also had a decent shot on target before half-time but it never troubled Doyle. Such a hefty disadvantage at half-time would kill many teams, but, in fairness to Mickey O'Connor's side, they never gave up the ghost and kept battling against a very good Limerick team. Coustrain almost made it 5-0 within four minutes of the restart, but a fifth goal did arrive in the 39th minute Killian Brown converted from just inside the Athlone penalty area. Aidan Byrne got into a good position soon afterwards, but, as on many occasions, found a Limerick defender repelling his best efforts at the edge of the box. Dylan Frawley then drilled an excellent effort across the face of the Athlone goal, while Athlone left back Ian Fletcher was forced to hack the ball off his own goal line to deny Coustrain. Athlone's only genuine scoring opportunity came with five minutes to go. Good work by Byrne set up a great chance for Athlone, with both Fearghal Lennon and Evan Dalton trying to force the ball home from close range. However, the Athlone duo were somehow denied by a combination of 'keeper Doyle and defender Brown. Limerick ended the contest on the forward foot though, with both Frawley and Coustrain spurning good chances, while Athlone netminder McHugh earned the plaudits for a fine save to deny Harrington. At the time of print, Athlone were due to play two games on Tuesday in a bid to try to drag themselves back into the group. Athlone & District SL: Jason McHugh; Ian Fletcher, Jack Quinn, Matthew Darling, Cathal Callinan, Simon Keller, Aidan Byrne, Evan Dalton, Cian Hayden, Charlie McMickan, Noel Cotton. Subs: Fearghal Lennon for Dalton (33 mins), Chris Reid for Callinan (33), John Drummond for Keller (50). Limerick District SL: Edward Doyle; Ryan Earls, Jack Cleary, Joel Coustrain, Niall McNamara, Ryan Frawley, Jamie Bronell, Killian Brown, Michael Guerin, Jack Harrington, Neil Wallace. Referee: Mike Delaney (Dublin).