KCFC
06/08/2002, 2:34 PM
Another good result in the first division cup for the 'Thoroughbreds'.
Well taken goals by Philip Gorman and sub. Keith O'Connor with an Athlone o.g. in between ensured three points for Keely's men on the road in St. Mels Park last Friday night.
It was a well contested game with excellent commitment on both sides as could be seen from some of the tackling.
Unlike others, County seem well-up for this competition as it represents a realistic chance of silverware albeit in a makeshift competition.
County raised their game from their previous encounter with UCD although that could be due to the standard of the opposition.
Athlone weren't a patch on the UCD side from the previous week and they missed a finisher up front as the County goals remained intact.
They had a glorious chance with 10 minutes to go after Gavin Dykes fouled in the box.
Up stepped the Athlone keeper who was already having a very dodgy evening and he was denied brilliantly by Tadgh Murphy low to his right.
Murphy is having a fine start to the year and is a keeper of real quality. He may get judged too quickly because of his lack of height but his shot stopping ability is top drawer.
Kildare chased and harried all night long which as a supporter is something you want to see. Long may it continue.
Whelehan and O'Connor were solid in midfield as were Dykes and Maher in defence.
Upfront Michael McCann impressed in his first start and his footwork in nutmegging the Athlone defender led to an o.g. in the first half.
He also lay on the through ball for Gorman to slot home earlier on.
Keith O'Connor killed the game off with an explosive finish from the edge of the box at the end to round of a good night on the road for the handful of County supporters who braved bank holiday weekend traffic to support the team.
Gavin Doyle had a quiet night while Shay Zellor came on as a second half sub. These two wide men will be very important to County's season and we hope they are back on song this saturday against Waterford.
After Alan Kelly's display on the wing they both will need to lift their game to get a starting slot.
Competition for places is always healthy.
Next up Waterford United in Newbridge on Saturday night .
Well taken goals by Philip Gorman and sub. Keith O'Connor with an Athlone o.g. in between ensured three points for Keely's men on the road in St. Mels Park last Friday night.
It was a well contested game with excellent commitment on both sides as could be seen from some of the tackling.
Unlike others, County seem well-up for this competition as it represents a realistic chance of silverware albeit in a makeshift competition.
County raised their game from their previous encounter with UCD although that could be due to the standard of the opposition.
Athlone weren't a patch on the UCD side from the previous week and they missed a finisher up front as the County goals remained intact.
They had a glorious chance with 10 minutes to go after Gavin Dykes fouled in the box.
Up stepped the Athlone keeper who was already having a very dodgy evening and he was denied brilliantly by Tadgh Murphy low to his right.
Murphy is having a fine start to the year and is a keeper of real quality. He may get judged too quickly because of his lack of height but his shot stopping ability is top drawer.
Kildare chased and harried all night long which as a supporter is something you want to see. Long may it continue.
Whelehan and O'Connor were solid in midfield as were Dykes and Maher in defence.
Upfront Michael McCann impressed in his first start and his footwork in nutmegging the Athlone defender led to an o.g. in the first half.
He also lay on the through ball for Gorman to slot home earlier on.
Keith O'Connor killed the game off with an explosive finish from the edge of the box at the end to round of a good night on the road for the handful of County supporters who braved bank holiday weekend traffic to support the team.
Gavin Doyle had a quiet night while Shay Zellor came on as a second half sub. These two wide men will be very important to County's season and we hope they are back on song this saturday against Waterford.
After Alan Kelly's display on the wing they both will need to lift their game to get a starting slot.
Competition for places is always healthy.
Next up Waterford United in Newbridge on Saturday night .