Athlone halt losing run against basement boys

Athlone Town halted a run of four consecutive defeats with a comprehensive victory over bottom club Salthill Devon at Drom on Saturday evening last. In spite of Robbie Murray missing a first minute penalty kick, the visitors recovered to lead at half-time through a Paul Danaher goal and although Salthill Devon equalised early in the second half, the Town ran out easy winners with two further scores from Gary Higgins and Tommy Barrett. The Athlone goalscorers on the night are all now on two goals for 2011, just one behind top scorer Noel McGee, who was an unused substitute on the night. The opening to the game was as bright as the autumn sunlight that covered the picturesque ground on the edge of Connemara as Athlone forced a corner kick just 12 seconds into the contest. Things got even better for the visitors when they were awarded a penalty kick while still in a dramatic opening minute. In a perfect start for the Town James Whelan took down Davy Ryan, but Murray's spot kick lacked conviction and goalkeeper Ronan Burke had little difficulty in making the save as he dived low to his right to safely clutch the ball. Many were surprised to see Murray assigned to spotkick duties and the pressure appeared to get to one of the youngest players on the pitch as his weak effort did not seriously trouble the keeper. The early impetus petered out somewhat and next chance in the game arrived after 16 minutes when Charlie Burke fired narrowly wide for the home side from a Eugene Greaney right wing cross. The lively Gary Higgins then had a chance for the visitors after 24 minutes but, following a good run from midfield, his shot from just outside the penalty area flew past the post. Higgins was again in action soon afterwards when, from the left edge of the penalty box, he fired across goal and wide. The deadlock was broken, however, after 32 minutes when Danaher bravely headed Athlone in front from close range. Ryan delivered the ball from the left to the far post and Danaher successfully competed with the keeper to steer the ball over the line from the edge of the six yard box. As half-time approached the home side had penalty appeals turned down following a disputed challenge inside the penalty area, but Athlone headed off for the break enjoying a narrow lead despite that early penalty miss. The half-time team talk from home boss Paul 'Ski' McGee had the desired effect as the hosts were back on level terms within 5 minutes of the restart. Early Salthill pressure on the resumption of play saw Conlon's shot on the turn just clear the bar, with a corner kick following which lead to the equaliser on 50 minutes. Timmy Molloy's delivery from the flag looked to have been confidently gathered by Michael Schlingermann but somehow the Town keeper then let the ball slip through his gloves, and Ronan Conlon pounced to slot to the net from the edge of the six yard box. Schlingermann will know it was a bad mistake but, fortunately for him, his team-mates responded in positive fashion to win the game at the other end. The Town were back in front 6 minutes later when Higgins was rewarded for his hard work throughout on the score sheet. Athlone worked the ball forward from defence and when Murray laid the ball off to Higgins on the right the number ten fired past the keeper's right and the ball nestled in the far corner of the net. Two wins all season has seen Salthill anchored to the foot of the table, and there was to be no comeback for the home side as Athlone comfortably held onto their lead until the final whistle. Midway through the half from Ryan's free on the right Tommy Barrett had a shot blocked behind, with Mark Walshe heading the resulting corner kick over the bar. The victory was sealed on 69 minutes when Athlone were awarded a second penalty kick and this time there was to be no mistake from the spotkick taker. On this occasion the most experienced Athlone player was handed the responsibility. Eoin Monaghan, not long on as a substitute for number eleven Murray, was taken down by the unfortunate Whelan and when the referee again pointed to the spot, Barrett stepped up to drive the ball past the keepers left to the net. The goal was a landmark in itself as it signalled the first time Athlone have hit three in the League thus far in 2011. As full-time approached the visitors could have stretched their lead as Devon were lucky not to slump to a bigger defeat. Athlone's last win was also in Galway when a Noel McGee double gained three points against Mervue United at Fahy's Field back in early July as the Town obviously enjoy good fortune on their travels into the west. Another substitute, Roy King shot wide with home keeper Burke then doing well to push behind a Higgins shot as Athlone ended the game on the attack. Higgins was thoroughly enjoying a rare Town start and continued his torment of the home defence in stoppage time when he shot across goal and wide as the action ended with Athlone well on top and continuing on the offensive. The win and valuable three points earned are welcome for Athlone with the Town now having completed their programme against Salthill, gathering seven points from the three games between the sides and giving a much needed boost in confidence as the season draws to a close. It also means Athlone continue to maintain their unbeaten record against Salthill since the struggling Galway side joined the senior ranks two seasons ago. SALTHILL DEVON: Ronan Burke, Eugene Greaney, Emmet Shaw, Cian Fadden, James Whelan, Luke McConnell, Ronan Conlon (Paul Smyth, 79mins), Rob Porter, Charlie Burke (Jason Lyons, 66), Timmy Molloy, Enda Dunne (Brian Gaffney, 66) ATHLONE TOWN: Michael Schlingermann, Joe Woods, Jamie Carr, Tommy Barrett, Paul Danaher, Damien Rushe (Stephen Relihan, 59mins), Mark Walshe, Davy Ryan (Roy King, 82), Jason Hughes, Gary Higgins, Robbie Murray (Eoin Monaghan, 65). REFEREE: Adriano Reale.