Athlone

[ForzaForth]

Wexford will be disappointed not to have taken something out of this close and even game in Ferrycarrig tonight. But they probably paid the price for not being clinical enough in front of goal. After the two experimental teams put out against Douglas Hall, Youths returned to a more settled formation with Graham, Mark, Jamie, CJ, Jimmy, Brian, Patsy, Craig, Rocks and Tom and Shane Nolan up front. First half was very even and chances were fairly scarce. After two minutes, Tom had the Youth's first chance, but his side-footed shot from a cross from the left fell straight into Jenning's arms in the Town goal. After eleven minutes, Town had a very good chance when the Youths lost the ball in their own half, but Sweeney drilled the ball at Graham who pushed it away for a corner. After fifteen, Craig had a good effort just touched over the bar by Jennings. After 22 minutes, Athlone's Gill got a yellow for a tackle on Craig. On 28 minutes, Tom beat the Athlone offside trap and had a clear run in on Jennings and drilled the ball through the latter's legs for 1-0 to the home side. Youths looked the more likely winners at this stage as they applied a fair bit of pressure and were winning the ball round the pitch. However, right on half-time, Athlone had another good chance when the ever dangerous beanpole, Brian McCarthy, won a header at a corner which felll straight to an Athlone attacker only six yards out, but his volley was hit straight at Graham who managed to scoop it over the bar for a corner. Sweeney then picked up a yellow for Athlone for kicking the ball away and the half ended with the home team 1-0 up and generally dominating but Athlone having missed two good chances.

[ForzaForth]

Athlone came out for the second and clearly upped their pace and this resulted in the three points going Shannonside. After two minutes, Rocks was adjudged to have blocked off an Athlone attacker in the box for a harsh enough peno. Sherlock coolly slotted it low to Graham's right for 1-1. After five, McCarthy and Craig both got yellows after a bout of handbags. With twelve minutes gone, a very good three man move found Rocks down the left and his excellent low cross reached Tom at the far post who had time to take a touch. However, he couldn't steer his second touch past Jennings and the chance was lost. Mideway through the second-half, Scally came on for Jamie and Deano came on for Brian. With 18 minutes to go, Tom bundled a Town defender off the ball but, running in on a slight angle, couldn't knock it past Jennings.

[ForzaForth]

With ten to go, McGee and Conroy came on for the Town and a draw seemed likely. However, five minutes later a cross from a tight angle by McGee beat everyone and nestled in the net at the far post for 2-1 to Athlone. However, Deano had another good chance right at the end for the Youths but again couldn't beat Jennings in a one-on-one when running at him from an angle. The five minutes of injury time then ended with Athlone coming out 2-1 winners after definitely having upped the pace in the second 45.

[ForzaForth]

Best for Wexford on the night were probably Patsy and Craig in midfield. Athlone's delivery from setpieces was much better than the Youths who generally lobbed it into the area and invited Jennings to come and get it. Wexford's passing was perhaps too wayward at times but, as usual, you couldn't fault the effort from the home side. 2-1 to Athlone at the end with the attendance called as 283.