Athlone Town react to defensive departure blow

Kevin O'Neill

After a hugely encouraging start to this year's SSE Airtricity Legaue 1st Division, Athlone Town FC experienced mixed fortunes as the transfer window came to a close earlier this week.

Having played a key role in helping the Town win its first two league matches, defender James Roche has unfortunately been recalled by parent club Shelbourne. The Dublin outfit recalled the promising defender after experiencing injury problems in their squad.

However, manager Ian Ryan reacted by drafting in a couple of new additions to the defensive ranks. Kildare native James Crawford has signed for the club after three impressive seasons at Wexford FC.

The son of Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford, he has predominantly played at left-back in his League of Ireland career. Also joining the club is young defender Jonathan Kehir, a native of Leixlip who has spent time in the underage set-up at Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic.

Athlone will be hoping to extend its unbeaten start to the 1st Division season when hosting Wexford FC at Athlone Town Stadium on Friday evening (7.45pm).