2 v 1 
Athlone TownDetails
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 June 2021 | 7:45 pm | LOI Men's First Division | 2021 |
Match Report
Galway delight against Athlone
Galway welcomed back 100 fans to Eamonn Deacy Park tonight for their clash with Athlone Town and those fans were treated to three points from their side.
However, the home side went behind on 24 minutes after Shane Barnes scored from a corner. Set pieces caused them major issues in the opening half.
But the Tribesmen turned the tide on the restart. They placed Athlone firmly under the kosh and were rewarded with a penalty in the 75th minute which Ruairi Keating converted. Keating then turned provider for a late Cunningham winner.
Despite their win, Galway didn't start brightly as Athlone threatened twice from corners in as many opening minutes. Scott Delaney, who was inserted into the line-up right before kickoff in place of the injured Killian Cantwell; was a threat from said set pieces.
Things nearly also went awry for Athlone within the first ten minutes when Daniel McKenna gave an inaccurate pass back to his keeper Schlingermann which nearly ended up in the net. Through some tidy footwork on behalf of the Mayo native ensured the crisis was averted.
Despite the result the netminder can hold his head high. He commanded his box well throughout the game and showcased a real juxtaposition between the two sides in terms of set piece defending. Killian Brouder’s long throw in’s and Connor McCormack’s excellent crossing tested the League of Ireland veteran on numerous occasions, but he collected nearly every cross with ease.
Athlone were rewarded for their efforts when Shane Barnes met a Curtis Byrne corner for the lead. It was a goal that was coming. Throughout the half McKenna came back from his early score to control the tempo of the game well. His highlight of the game came off a switch to James Doona, who cut inside but found his effort saved. Doona also put in an impressive first half display.
In the second half however Galway changed it around. They started to threaten from set pieces themselves and weren’t giving Athlone a minutes rest. Ruairi Keating and Mikie Rowe presented themselves as the danger men. Around the hour mark was particularly rough for Athlone.
Then, with 15 minutes to play, Galway were rewarded. Keating was fouled by Aidan Friel after a one-two on the edge of the area, which saw Friel booked. Keating converted from the spot. Suddenly it sounded like there was a lot more than 100 in Terryland.
Then, in the 94th minute Galway were given the ultimate reward when Cunningham tapped home from a Keating header after a McCormack corner. Athlone had started to look rudderless before this and at this stage it was all too late.
For John Caulfield’s men they should take real confidence. They showed a true never say die attitude and showed they can remain in the hunt for promotion. For Athlone and Adrian Carberry it’s yet another late equaliser after leading in the same game. A fifth defeat in six games is sure to have Carberry heading back to the drawing board.
Timeline
| 24' | 9. Shane Barnes | |
| Wilson Waweru Padraic Cunningham | 45' | |
| Shane Duggan Mikie Rowe | 45' | |
| Christopher Horgan Mikey Place | 45' | |
| 22. Conor McCormack | 48' | |
| 65' | 38. Jamie Hollywood | |
| 74' | 2. Aidan Friel | |
| 7. Ruairi Keating | 75' | |
| 78' | Scott Delaney Tristan Noack Hofmann | |
| 80' | 5. Daniel McKenna | |
| 83' | Kurtis Byrne Jack Reynolds | |
| 83' | Adam Wixted Brandon McCann | |
| 30. Mikey Place | 87' | |
| 89' | Shane Barnes David Brookes | |
| 9. Padraic Cunningham | 93' |
Past Meetings
|
(Series 2)
3 - 1LOI Men's First Division
Athlone Town Stadium Athlone Town v Galway United |
|
(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
| Eamonn Deacy Park |
|---|
| Eamonn Deacy Park, Dyke Road, Terryland, Menlough, Galway City, County Galway, Connacht, H91 ET6N, Ireland |
Full time in Eamonn Deacy Park and a great night for Galway as the 100 fans present are treated to a win. A shaky first half performance where they conceded was overturned by a great second half where they placed Athlone under the kosh. Keating equalised via a penalty before assisting Cunningham for the late winner. Will be tough for Adrian Carberry and Athlone to take but John Caulfield and his men will take great pride from this performance.
Surely a winner! Cunningham taps home after Keating's header down from a late corner.
Six minutes added on. Plenty of time for a hero to emerge.
Athlone starting to look rudderless here.
Dan McKenna booked.
Mikie Rowe puts a free just wide. Momentum is firmly with Galway here.
Keating equalises from the spot after Friel's foul. Keating has been dangerous and Galway's play has warranted an equaliser.
Friel booked as Galway win a penalty.
Athlone need a second. Galway are edging ever closer...
First booking of the game for Jamie Hollywood. Foul occured at halfway line.
Keating heads Rowe's cross over. Great spell from Galway.
Great save from Schlingermann as he gets down low to deny Rowe.
Great chance for Scott Delaney from Curtis Byrne's corner. Galway have an issue with these set pieces.
Second half starting now. Athlone getting us underway.
Half time here in Eamonn Deacy Park. Shane Barnes had a chance to add his second and double Athlone's lead right before the break, but rifled his shot just wide of the left hand post. Set pieces also proving to be the difference between the two sides, as Athlone scored from a corner and could've numerous times. Galway on the other hand have threatened, but Schlingermann is commanding his box well thus far. James Doona has been a threat for Athlone and McKenna is having a solid game in the middle of the park.
Two minutes of added time.
James Doona proving to be the danger man here. McKenna having an excellent game too since the early mishap.
Shane Barnes scores from Curtis Byrne's corner. The set piece issue for Galway rears it's ugly head.
Awkward ball swung in for Schlingermann. Commanded his area well and great hands ensured no danger came.
Dan McKenna put Schlingermann under pressure with a risky pass back. The Athlone keeper eased the pressure with good footwork however.
There's a good tempo to this game as both sides seems determined. Great to hear fans back too.
Two early chances for Athlone. Set pieces could be a problem for Galway tonight.
Kickoff. Galway to get us underway.
Galway manager John Caulfield: "After the first third of the season during the break we were simply hoping to recharge the batteries. When you get the break I think it is good for everyone to recharge, to reflect on where we are at."
John Caulfield's men may need those fans tonight. Despite Athlone's poor run of form, they sit third in the league. Despite being only two points off a play off spot in fifth, Galway are seventh in the table and have struggled to string results together.
Galway are one of the select few teams fortunate enough to get fans back in the ground, as 100 will be present for tonight's game. They'll be hoping the lucky few can help give them the edge tonight.
When out west it's always a possibility that the conditions will have an effect on the proceedings. Fortunately for both teams however the conditions are mild. It's an overcast day with a low chance of rain or wind playing a factor here.
Hi I'm Sean Comber and welcome to tonight's coverage of Galway United vs Athlone Town in the First Division here on finalwhistle.ie, in a clash of two teams who after the first break of the league season find themselves in a battle for promotion.