Athlone Town 0 - 0 Galway United
Athlone Town 0 – 0 Galway United
Saint Mel’s Park
04/07/03
Athlone Town stopped the rot last night when they drew nil all with Galway United in Saint Mel’s Park.
Going into the game on the back of a four game losing streak, Athlone came out with new signing Martin Reilly making his home debut, and looking lively from the start, having a chance as early as the second minute.
In what was a fairly even first half, Athlone were shading it in terms of chances, with Reilly and Micky McCann going close on a number of occasions. Reilly was showing some nice pieces of skill, and pleasingly was not afraid to have a shot when a chance arose.
Galway were limited to attacking on the break and their best chance fell to Alan Murphy on the stroke of half time but he ballooned over when he should have done better.
2nd Half
Athlone kept up the pressure from the start of the second half and had a great chance to take the lead early on. Midfielder Stuart Holt sent a cross into the box but Stephen Gavin was just unable to connect to it.
On the hour mark, Gerard O’Brien, Mc Cann and Reilly all combined well, only to see Reilly final effort go over the top.
The Town were still well on top though, and never really looked like conceding, a pleasing thing in itself. Galway’s best chance came when David Moran in the Town goal fumbled the ball in a crowded box, but with all the legs in the way he got back to smoother the ball.
Athlone’s best chance of the game fell again to Reilly. He raced away from his own half, beating two defenders. Galway ‘keeper Robert Forde managed to get his leg in the way of the cross goal effort however, but again it showed what Reilly can do.
Galway almost stole it at the death, only for Alan Kelly’s goal line clearance from Alan Murphy’s effort.
All in all it was an encouraging display, and with Gary Connaughton and Eric Molloy still to come back into the team, Town can look forward to a better second series of games.
Next up is an away fixture to League leaders, Finn Harps, scheduled for next Friday evening.
Athlone Town: David Moran, Gerard O’Brien, Alan Kelly, Stephen Kelly, Ronan Frawley, Stephen Gavin, Michael Collins, Stuart Holt [Keith Nibbs 78], Damien Rushe Martin Reilly & Michael McCann [Andy Mullin 74].
