atfconline
08/08/2002, 9:04 PM
Athlone Town wrapped up their First Division Cup campign tonight in Jackman Park, but are still searching for their first competitive win of the season after losing 3-2 to their fellow Shannonsiders.
Town opened the scoring with a goal from new skipper, Stephen Kelly in the 25th minute. Kelly has come in for some criticism from fans recently, but this was his second goal in the competition for Athlone. Athlone maintained that one goal lead until the five minutes before the break, when Limerick's recent signing Stephen O'Flynn equalised for Limerick.
Limerick then took the lead with twenty minutes remaining with Brendan Hughes scoring his second goal in as many games. Athlone did not lie down however and equalised eight minutes later with Kelly getting his brace.
While it looked like Athlone might come away with a point, disaster struck when O'Flynn got a brace of his own and all three points in the final minute to give Limerick a chance of qualifying for the final of the competition. They currently sit atop of the Southern Section table, but Kildare can still overtake them if they beat Waterford United on Saturday evening.
So after not qualifying for the final of the First Division Cup, Athlone have a free weekend next weekend. The real action then starts on Thursday August 22nd, when Town travel down to take on Waterford United in the RSC.
Town opened the scoring with a goal from new skipper, Stephen Kelly in the 25th minute. Kelly has come in for some criticism from fans recently, but this was his second goal in the competition for Athlone. Athlone maintained that one goal lead until the five minutes before the break, when Limerick's recent signing Stephen O'Flynn equalised for Limerick.
Limerick then took the lead with twenty minutes remaining with Brendan Hughes scoring his second goal in as many games. Athlone did not lie down however and equalised eight minutes later with Kelly getting his brace.
While it looked like Athlone might come away with a point, disaster struck when O'Flynn got a brace of his own and all three points in the final minute to give Limerick a chance of qualifying for the final of the competition. They currently sit atop of the Southern Section table, but Kildare can still overtake them if they beat Waterford United on Saturday evening.
So after not qualifying for the final of the First Division Cup, Athlone have a free weekend next weekend. The real action then starts on Thursday August 22nd, when Town travel down to take on Waterford United in the RSC.