Athlone deal with Tang threat to make winning start
Shay Murtagh Precast Westmeath SFC Section B, Round 1: Athlone 1-18 Tang 2-10
Tang have often proved tricky opponents for Athlone in recent years, but the men in blue and white emerged decisive winners of last Saturday’s Westmeath SFC opener at Hogan Park.
There were still some nervy moments for the Shannonsiders with Tang hitting two goals in the second half. Yet the way Athlone responded to Tang’s first goal - a 39th-minute penalty from Jack Keenan which cut the deficit to just two points - was crucial to the outcome.
In reply, John Twaddle’s charges reeled off a necklace of six unanswered points and it was notable that Westmeath stars Ray Connellan and Shane Allen came to the fore when needed.
Overall, there was much to admire about this Athlone performance. They often moved the ball in slick fashion and created plenty of chances. A tally of 1-18 (without any two-pointers) is a good day’s work and they could have easily added at least two more goals.
From Tang’s perspective, their main aim is once again to retain their place in the senior ranks, though it could be a tall order.
After weeks of splendid sunny weather, the first weekend of Westmeath’s club football championships was greeted with grey skies, a fresh breeze and a sprinkling of rain. Tang were wind-assisted in the first half but it was Athlone who got off to a much better start in Moate.
The lively Cillian Lynn opened the scoring (his shot just about creeping inside the far post) and a goal quickly followed from Stephen O’Connor. Darragh Lough’s deft lay-off created the opening and O’Connor’s finish was clinical. A foul on Lough then gave O’Connor the chance to point his first free, making it 1-2 to 0-0 inside four minutes.
Shane Hanley’s terrific point, withstanding a hefty challenge in the process, got Tang off the mark and wing-back Tommy Lennon came forward to land another (ninth minute). Three points from O’Connor - two frees (one came from Tang being pinged for a breach) either side of a classy score from play - saw Athlone go 1-5 to 0-2 clear.
A brace of two-pointers in quick succession gave Tang a needed lift. Jack Keenan’s huge free from outside the arc was supplemented by Hanley’s left-footed kick from open play. Suddenly Paul Conway’s troops were just two adrift (1-5 to 0-6).
Referee Barry Pierce was not prepared to tolerate dissent over his decisions and Tang were punished on two occasions, making it easier for Lynn to convert a couple of frees. Lough then exploited a Tang kickout which went awry and pointed neatly.
With Hanley influential for Tang around midfield, John Tumelty made light of an acute angle when he bisected the posts. At the other end, Eamon Martin judged the wind perfectly when lofting over a point. After Lynn seemed very unfortunate to be denied a free-in, Ray Connellan underlined his class with a point, despite shipping a high tackle en route.
Points were exchanged between Keenan (a classy score) and Lynn (another free), leaving Athlone ahead by 1-11 to 0-8 at half-time. Athlone came agonisingly close to a second goal in between those scores. Superb play from wing-forward Ben Killian created the opportunity and Mark Egan was decidedly unfortunate to crash a shot off the crossbar.
After Martin Rock opened the second-half scoring, a potentially major swing moment arrived. Athlone’s Killian made another great run forward and was unlucky to see his crisp low shot hit the butt of the far post. Play quickly switched to the other end and Michael Byrne was adjudged to have fouled Adam Neary. Darren Costello got a touch to Jack Keenan’s penalty but couldn’t keep the ball out.
Tang were now just two points in arrears (1-11 to 1-9), but Athlone dealt with the threat by taking a firm grip in the midfield diamond and scores soon followed. Three points came from Connellan with Shane Allen, Eamon Martin and Diarmuid Martin also on target in this purple patch.
Aidan Burke’s 53rd-minute goal - Athlone had failed to clear their lines after Lennon’s point attempt hit the post - gave Tang a glimmer of hope.
As Tang sought another goal in order to pull off an improbable comeback, Athlone sub Kian Mitchell won a free to take some pressure off his side. In the closing moments, Connellan was shown a black card for dissent after getting involved in an incident with Martin Rock. It mattered little at that stage.
The scoring was completed by O’Connor with a fine point under pressure as Athlone claimed the two points on offer.
Man of the match: Eamon Martin (Athlone). In the early stages, Stephen O'Connor looked well on his way to this accolade, but Martin was a very influential figure over the course of the contest. He showed a valuable ability to garner breaking ball, also chipping in with two points. Shane Hanley and Jack Keenan led the way for Tang.
Talking point: Former Athlone stalwart Damien Kelly, who gave sterling service to the club, is now part of the Tang management team alongside Paul Conway.
What's next: Athlone will face traditional rivals Moate All Whites in Mount Temple on Sunday week, while Tang will take on Killucan in Shandonagh later on the same day.
Scorers - Athlone: S O’Connor 1-5 (0-3f); R Connellan and C Lynn (3f) 0-4 each; E Martin 0-2; D Lough, S Allen and D Martin 0-1 each. Tang: J Keenan 1-3 (1-0 pen, tpf); A Burke 1-1 (0-1f); S Hanley 0-3 (1tp); T Lennon, J Tumelty and M Rock (f) 0-1 each.
Athlone - Darren Costello; Michael Byrne, James Finlass, Josh Kenny; Stephen Flaherty, Diarmuid Martin, Mark Egan; Shane Allen, Ray Connellan; Ben Killian, Eamon Martin, Shane Reid; Darragh Lough, Cillian Lynn, Stephen O’Connor. Subs: Kieran Colclough for Egan (injured); Kian Mitchell for Lynn.
Tang - Owen Coughlan; Andrew Gill, John Rock, Eoghan Bannon; David Marlow, Ronan Hanley, Tommy Lennon; Ciaran Clear, Shane Keenan; Jack Keenan, Aidan Burke, Shane Hanley; Martin Rock, John Tumelty, Adam Neary. Subs: Robert English for S Keenan; Richard Laffan for Marlow; Callum McGarry for Clear; Killian Foxe for Lennon.
Referee - Barry Pierce (St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge).