Caldwell strikes sets Athlone IT on their way to semi-finals

THREE second-half goals - including a couple from dangerous strike pairing Brian Caldwell and Liam Lynch - saw Athlone IT seal a place in the semi-finals of the CUFL Football League Premier Division following a difficult assignment against Carlow IT in Athlone last Wednesday afternoon. Caldwell, who plays for St Peter's, eventually put Athlone ahead in the 64th minute, giving the home side an advantage they deserved on the balance of play. However, things could have worked out so differently had Athlone's impressive and assured goalkeeper TJ Forde not saved a penalty from Carlow's Jimmy Keohane seven minutes later. Forde's excellent penalty save seemed to knock Carlow back somewhat and was definitely the turning point in a well contested match. Athlone then went on to control the remainder of the match, adding further goals through Liam Lynch and a smashing individual effort from left winger Chris Greaney. The Athlone team, managed by ex-Athlone Town manager Michael O'Connor, now possesses some exciting young players, with Garvan Broughall and Neil Harney forming the central defensive axis, while Carmine Russo was partnered in the middle of the field by Stephen Relihan. Up front, Liam Lynch, a former Ballinasloe Town striker who played for Longford Town last season, led the line superbly, and his physical attributes make him a handful for any defence. Lynch was partnered by Brian Caldwell, whose goal-poaching instincts are already well renowned on the local junior football scene, and he didn't disappoint again on this occasion, despite seeing a couple of efforts well saved by visiting 'keeper Michael Schlingermann before finally breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute. Caldwell took his goal in expert fashion, neatly looping the ball past the advancing Schlingermann following a fine through ball by Carmine Russo, who was, by some distance, the best midfielder on the field. Caldwell had almost found the opening goal just before half-time but Schlingermann pushed his placed effort away from goal. Liam Lynch set his stall out early on, breaking to the end-line before pulling the ball back for the awaiting Caldwell, but Richie Newport cleared the danger in the six-yard box. Stephen Relihan had a snapshot fly well wide, before Carlow threatened, firstly through Jimmy Keohane, whose downward header was brilliantly pushed over the crossbar by Forde. Tom Elmes then embarked on a great solo run across the Athlone penalty area but shot narrowly over the top. Athlone had a penalty appeal on the half hour mark but referee Dermot Tone didn't deem James Scullion's jersey-tug on Lynch as a spot kick. Apart from Carlow's penalty in the 71st minute, Athlone controlled the second half and could have netted an opener when Lynch, latching onto a well-floated Russo free kick, uncharacteristically headed over when unmarked in the 49th minute. Relihan's neat through ball then put Caldwell through on goal but Schlingermann denied him, although the Carlow 'keeper couldn't do anything to deny Caldwell on 64 minutes, as his neat finish gave Athlone a merited advantage.Carlow looked certain to get back in the game when Russo was adjudged to have fouled Danny Ledwith in the box, but Forde - diving to his left - saved Keohane's penalty kick. This inspired Athlone to lift their game for the remaining 15 minutes or so, and Craig Short led the way when his brave solo run from the halfway line almost brought about a second goal. Unfortunately, Short lacked composure when it came to shooting at goal and his effort drifted harmlessly wide. On 80 minutes, though, Athlone virtually ensured safe passage to the semi-finals. The speedy Greaney burst through the Carlow defence down the left wing and squared the ball to Lynch for a simple tap-in. Greaney then finished the tie off for certain on 86 minutes, again bursting past several defenders before delightfully lifting the ball over Schlingermann and into the net. ATHLONE IT: TJ Forde; Dean Clarke, Michael Kearney, Garvan Broughall, Neil Harney, Carmine Russo, Craig Short, Stephen Relihan, Liam Lynch, Brian Caldwell, Chris Greaney. Subs: Evan Ortelta for Clarke (80 mins), Stephen O'Neill for Caldwell (86), Javi for Greaney (86). CARLOW IT: Michael Schlingermann; Aaron Mullins, Jamie Carr, Richie Newport, James Scullion, Shane Harris, Bowie Dee, Robert Tier, Tom Elmes, Jimmy Keohane, Danny Ledwith. Subs: Ben Ryan for Elmes (45 mins), Gary Seery for Mullins (65), Max Carroll for Dee (70). REFEREE: Dermot Tone.