Super sub McGee earns Athlone a point against stubborn Harps outfit

TOP-SCORER Noel McGee sprang from the substitutes' bench to earn Athlone Town a share of the spoils against a gritty Finn Harps at Lissywollen last Friday. McGee was introduced to the fray at the interval, following a largely turgid opening half, and wasted little time making an impact, slotting home in the 52nd minute to cancel out Aaron O'Hagan's first-half strike. The final outcome is far from a catastrophe for Athlone but, with Waterford Utd continuing their recent winning ways (beating SD Galway on the same night to move within four points of joint-leaders Limerick and Longford), the Town's brave attempts to finish in the top-three now appear to be waning. Perhaps it's a sign of the clear progress made under Mike Kerley this season that most Athlone supporters (among the largest home crowd of the season) were somewhat subdued and disappointed to 'only' have drawn with Finn Harps. The opening half was largely forgettable, as both sides played similar formations and somewhat cancelled each other out. But the second was far better from Athlone, and had on-loan substitute Mark McGoldrick been able to convert one of three good chances, the Town would have sealed the win. McGoldrick, highly regarded at parent club Sligo Rovers, showed sharp movement after his introduction on the hour mark, but unfortunately lacked the killer touch to give Athlone three points. However, encouragement can be taken from the input of Athlone's two debutants, Neil Harney (on loan from Bohemians) and McGoldrick, who should be able to make a positive impression before the end of the season. Stephen Last (who captained the team here), Barry O'Mahony and Eric Molloy had debuted against Longford the previous week and were again handed starts. Athlone's improving options were highlighted by the presence of McGoldrick, McGee, Brian McCarthy and Niall Scullion on the bench. Largely, the opening 25 minutes proved a non-event, though Athlone forced a couple of early corners, and free-kicks in dangerous positions, that ultimately amounted to little. Athlone forged the best chance of the opening half hour in the 28th minute. Damien Rushe's right-wing cross was only half-cleared to O'Mahony, who helped the ball towards Brian Gill on the edge of the box. His neat flick found its way to Mark Sherlock, but his effort bobbled wide of the left post. Up the other end, Pat Jennings had to react quickly when Kevin McHugh, Harps' most dangerous forward over recent years, almost intercepted Last's backward header. A lengthy break in play followed, as Harps midfielder Michael Funston required treatment to an injury, which ultimately forced him from the field. When play resumed, Athlone seemed to lose concentration and conceded the game's opening goal, when Jennings could only half punch clear and O'Hagan capitalised to score. Kerley reacted by introducing McGee and Harney (the latter in centre midfield) at half-time, and switching to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. Harney, who offered drive and energy to midfield, was booked within five minutes, for barging into the back of O'Hagan, but Athlone were level in the 52nd minute. Mark Walshe's free-kick was helped forward by O'Mahony, and Sherlock then produced a wonderful flick to put McGee through on goal. The Athlone striker never looked like missing, and calmly placed the ball past Ciaran Gallagher and into the net. On 65 minutes, Athlone should've had the lead when Sherlock, unmarked ten yards out, headed O'Mahony's corner wide. Harney was then narrowly off-target with a fine curled effort, before Walshe and Joe Woods snuffed out the threat of McHugh at the other end. Harps enjoyed a little spell of dominance at this stage, with defender Mark Scoltock heading wide at the back post, following a fine cross by Ciaran Coll. However, Athlone then manufactured three great chances in the final 15 minutes. On 75, Scoltock's miscued clearance set McGoldrick racing through on goal, but he tried to be over-precise with his finish, and curled the ball around the post and wide. It was a big miss. Seven minutes later, Walshe headed Harney's cross into McGoldrick's path. This time, he was lightning quick to latch onto the opportunity, but shot narrowly wide (in what was a more difficult chance than the previous attempt). In the final minute of normal time, O'Mahony and McGee created another opening for McGoldrick, but Gallagher was brilliantly out to make a superb block and again deny the trying striker. Harps also had late chances, with Jennings saving low at his right post from Sean McGowan, and then blocking Adam Clarke's effort following a misjudgement by left-back Kevin Williamson. The game ended with Sherlock ambitiously blazing over from 25 yards, when a through pass for Harney (unmarked to his left) would've been the better option, but ultimately a draw was probably the fairest outcome. Athlone Town: Pat Jennings; Damien Rushe, Kevin Williamson, Joe Woods, Stephen Last, Mark Walshe, Barry O'Mahony, Brian Gill, Jason Hughes, Mark Sherlock, Eric Molloy. Subs: Neil Harney and Noel McGee for Rushe (inj) and Hughes (HT), Mark McGoldrick for Molloy (60 mins). Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Tommy Bonner, Tommy McMonagle, Mark Scoltock, Keith Cowan, Aaron O'Hagan, Gary Merritt, Michael Funston, Sean McGowan, Kevin McHugh, Ciaran Coll. Subs: James Doherty for Funston (inj., 39 mins), Adam Clarke and Shane McGinty for O'Hagan and Scoltock (78). Referee: Adriano Reale.