3 v 1 
Galway UtdVideo
Details
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 April 2021 | 7:45 pm | LOI Men's First Division | 2021 |
Match Report
United Stutter to a Slow Start
Athlone Town earned their first win of the season after a blistering opening half hour where they opened up a 3-0 victory over First Division favourites Galway United.
Adrian Carberry will be disappointed to have seen his side concede a late Wilson Waweru goal fifteen minutes from time.
Athlone Town were first to break the deadlock in the first half when Aidan Friel's cross was headed by Gary Boylan into his own goal in the 11th minute. Stephen Meaney then grabbed himself a brace in six minutes to put the home side three goals up.
The result leaves Carberry’s men in second position in the League of Ireland First Divison with four points from their opening two games just two points behind Cabinteely who have taken maximum points from their opening fixtures.
After naming the same team from the game when they drew against Shelbourne, there was the familiar look to Carberry’s side on the night as Kurtis Byrne captained Athlone Town for the first time at home along with home debuts for the likes of Micheál Schlingermann, Stephen Meaney and Shane Barnes. Galway United however looked lively Conor O’Keeffe getting his head on a good ball which went wide in the seventh minute.
The messages before the game for both teams were familiar ones too: make a positive start and avoid needing to chase the game. It certainly seemed that way when Stephen Meaney scored the second Athlone town goal in only the 18th minute putting the midlands side two goals ahead within the first 20 minutes.
Galway United certainly had a bit of fight in them with a Shane Doherty scorpion kick in the 22nd minute getting denied by an excellent Micheál Schlingermann save for Athlone Town.
Athlone Town certainly responded, with Stephen Meaney sending his 26th minute effort into the back of the opposition net to make it 3-0 before heading into the half time break delighted with their efforts with a three goal cushion and a clean sheet. Athlone Town were able to regroup.
Captain Kurtis Byrne maintained his place the starting line-up for Athlone Town to help him build a long-standing trust with the Athlone fans that have been unable to see their captain play in person.
Athlone town nearly had the ball in the net again with 57 minutes gone but it was denied due a fantastic safe by Conor Kearns in goal for Galway United.
Galway however will leave the game with their heads held high with Wilson Waweru getting a goal for the Tribesmen in the 81st minute.
Timeline
Past Meetings
|
(Series 10)
1 - 4LOI Men's First Division
Athlone Town Stadium Athlone Town v Galway United |
|
(Series 1)
2 - 2LOI Men's First Division
Eamonn Deacy Park Galway United v Athlone Town |
Ground
| Athlone Town Stadium |
|---|
| Athlone Town Stadium, Old Rail Trail, Garrycastle, Athlone East Rural Electoral Division, The Municipal District of Athlone — Moate, County Westmeath, Leinster, N37 N1F2, Ireland |
Full time: Athlone Town 3-1 Galway United. A fantastic win for Athlone Town.
Waweru fires a low cross across the goal but there is nobody there to finish it!
There have been four minutes added on as the game isn't exactly over just yet.
Jack Watson now has the opportunity to show what he is made of tonight.
Mikie Rowe will get his chance to shine and make a difference for the Tribesmen now as they hope to match a two-goal deficit with very few minutes left.
Shane Doherty leaves the pitch as Galway United will want fresh legs to help.
Athlone hit the crossbar after a shot from out wide in response to that goal scored against them!
Wilson Waweru scores after the Athlone Goalkeeper parries the cross. Big goal!
Shane Barnes will be coming on for Athlone Town as they look for fresh legs.
If there were fans in the ground tonight there would certainly be a round of applause for Stephen Meaney who will be substituted after scoring a brace.
Athlone's Adam Wixted hits a rocket that crashes off the bar from about 25 yards! Adam Wixted will be hoping to build on the momentum of last weekend whenever he scored the equalizer to send Athlone into this game with a point.
Mikey Place crosses it in, Schlingermann has to tip it over the crossbar!
GalwayUnited starting to pile on some pressure here now, with their third corner in succession. Can Galway United manage to pull a goal or two back?
Chance for Athlone town but a great save from Conor Kearns to deny the goal!
Galway United fire just wide after a scramble in the box! Big opportunity missed.
Galway United fire just wide after a scramble in the box! Big opportunity missed.
The second half is underway and will we see a response for the Tribesmen now?
The second half is underway and will we see a response for the Tribesmen now?
Half Time: Athlone Town 3-0 Galway United. Big team talk expected from John Caulfield.
David Hurley heads off to the bench for Galway as they want fresher legs coming.
Mickey Palace
Stephen Meaney gets his second as Athlone Town pull three goals ahead of Galway.
Short break in play as Maurice Nugent is seen by the physio which could be a blow for Galway United as they are already two goals behind so early in this game
Galway's. Shane Doherty with a scorpion kick heading for the top corner but it's saved!
Stephen Meaney doubles the Athlone town lead as they pull away from Galway.
Athlone town Goal as Aidan Friel's cross is headed by Gary Boylan into his own goal! Galway United are now facing an uphill battle in the midlands right now.
Galway United with a lively start, Conor O'Keefe just heading over from a corner!
Kick Off!
Athlone announce an unchanged lineup from last weekend!
Welcome to the action!