Seventh heaven for Athlone U-18s in league opener

Athlone Town made a dream start to their DDSL Under-18 League campaign with a seven goal hammering of Bohemians at Lissywollen last Sunday. Mickey Collins' charges dominated throughout and were 3-0 up at half-time, adding further gloss to the scoreline with four second-half goals. Striker Eoin McCormack from Ballinasloe scored a hat-trick in a man-of-the-match display, with the other goals coming from Warren Conroy and substitutes Darren Donnelly, Andy Nevin and John Reid. Mickey Collins was in charge of the Athlone Town under-17s which captured a league and cup double last season but, due to changes in the age eligibility of players, the majority of that squad have now moved up to play with the U-19s. Athlone showed their intent from the start and they hit the Bohs crossbar inside the opening few minutes. The opening goal was scored by hat-trick hero Eoin McCormack, who showed superb skill to evade a sliding tackle from a defender, before cooly finishing the ball to the net. The home side forced several corners early on and with good deliveries coming in from Ian Sweeney and Roy King, the Bohs defence was put under considerable pressure. The physical presence of centre-halves Gavin Downey and Ronan Morris was also a major asset for Athlone at set-pieces. Indeed, Athlone's second and third goals came from corner kicks. First, Roy King's flag kick was headed into the net by Warren Conroy at the back post. Then, Ian Sweeney's delivery caused consternation in the Bohs penalty area, leading to a tap-in for the razor sharp McCormack. Bohemians did have a goal disallowed at a stage when Athlone were leading 2-0, after a visiting attacker had kicked the ball out of goalkeeper Michael McMahon's hands. Athlone's fourth goal came early in the second half, with McCormack completing his hat-trick after a scramble in the box. The Athlone management had opted to make some changes and two of the substitutes combined to great effect for Athlone's fifth goal. After good build-up play down the left, a clever flick by Andy Nevin put Darren Donnelly through and he slotted the ball past the hapless Bohemians 'keeper. Nevin turned from provider to finisher for the sixth. With a succession of passes having stretched the Bohs defence, a through ball by Seamie Byrne set up Nevin, who demonstrated neat skill to get past the last defender, before shooting across the 'keeper and into the far corner. Athlone's victory was further embellished by a goal from substitute John Reid, who chipped the Dublin side's netminder from a tight angle. "We knew we had a decent enough squad but we were wary before the Bohs match, so we're delighted to get off to such a good start," said Collins. "We have nothing to fear now even though we know it's going to be a tough league with teams in there like Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Shelbourne. We're delighted with the goals we scored and we just seemed to grow in confidence as the game went on. "John West, the club groundsman, had the pitch in great nick for the match and it really suited us as we like to get the ball down on the ground and pass it." Collins hopes to have Jordan Conroy (injured) and Ray Connellan (currently occupied with Gaelic football commitments with Athlone) available for upcoming games, while substitute goalkeeper Brian Redmond is also likely to be given a chance to impress. "We have good competition for places which should keep everyone on their toes," added Collins, who is assisted in his role as manager by Alan McCaul. Athlone's next game is away to Dundalk this Sunday (at the time of going to press, kick-off at Oriel Park was listed for 11am). ATHLONE TOWN: Michael McMahon; Cormac Clogher, Gavin Downey, Ronan Morris, Seamus Byrne; Rory Connor, Warren Conroy, David Brookes, Ian Sweeney; Eoin McCormack, Roy King. Subs: Darren Donnelly for Connor; Andy Nevin for King; Sam Moran for Brookes; John Reid for McCormack; Mark O'Connor for Clogher.