Cork City made the long journey to the Midlands tonight and came away with all three points at the Athlone Town Stadium in Lissywollen.

The goals for the visitors came courtesy of Alec Byrne in the first half and Jack Baxter in the second did the job for the Rebels.

It was a game where both teams had their chances but the result was fair.

Both sides came into the contest needing points. Cork because this season has been miserable so far.; Athlone as they were initially challenging for promotion but had since fallen off. A win would’ve put the Town back on track.

The first half was a very even affair right up until Byrne’s opener on the brink of the interval. For the first ten minutes, it was Cork who threatened mostly. For the next ten however, Athlone pushed strongly. James Doona had an effort blocked after he cut in from the left onto his right foot and let fly. Aidan Friel also had an effort saved after some quick passing down the right hand side.

Adam Wixted and Kurtis Byrne then combined for a lovely one-two that Byrne had cleared off the line. Cork then looked to break from the ensuing corner, which was cut short by Derek Daly’s tactical foul a few yards outside the Athlone area. Cork however got nothing from the following free.

Michael Schlingermann then pulled off the first of his few trademark great saves from this game, after he parried away a Cian Murphy effort that looked destined for the top corner. Despite the recent bad run of form for Athlone, Schlingermann has played typically well. There doesn’t seem to be much more the veteran goalie can do for his side.

The wonder at Schlingermann’s save was short lived as City punished Athlone under five minutes later. Athlone failed to deal with a Cork cross and Alec Byrne rebounded with a wonder strike to give his side the lead at the perfect time. Byrne would go off with an injury not long into the second half, which Cork will obviously hope is nothing too serious.

Chances for either side were few and far between in the second half as the action cooled down. Athlone’s best chance came from James Doona, who couldn’t find the net after betting on himself. A pass in that situation would’ve been a wiser decision. A Byrne chance seemed to indicate Athlone were getting back into it, but the game proved fruitless.

The points were sealed on the brink of full time by James Baxter after he cut inside from the right and found the roof of the net with a left footed strike. A truly excellent finish. It was game, set, match in that instant.

For Cork, this might be the win they needed to spark a run. It had been a miserable season so far but they won away on a long journey and in good style. The rebel faithful will be hoping tonight was a sign of things to come.

For Athlone, the July transfer window can’t come quick enough. Carberry will have to add to his squad if he wants to sustain any hope of challenging for a promotion spot, if the last few results are anything to go off.