Shels in Mels?

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Anyone else hear about a friendly in Mel's last night against Shels? Apparently there was it ended 0-0 with Curren saving a peno from Trevor Molloy

[Oh No]

Is this true?

I'd like to see some of these games but there appears to be confusion regarding when or if these games are on.

Is there a genuine list of friendlies available with dates, venues and time?

ATFC, please answer.

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by Kevin O'Neill, Westmeath Indepdndent


An industrious and organised display from Jimmy Greene's new look Athlone Town was good enough to hold eircom League champions Shelbourne to a scoreless draw at Willow Park on Monday night. Although the Town needed a superb penalty save from an in-form Shane Curran to keep the score level, they more than deserved this confidence building result. Indeed, had it not been for a fabulous double save from Steve Williams fifteen minutes from time, Athlone could have in fact beaten the Champions League qualifiers - who were only missing Dessie Baker.

On the evidence of this performance Athlone are going to be difficult opponents this season. The back four - plus Curran - look reliable, while Eric Molloy and particularly Henry Kenny (on the right flank) showed that they have enough ability to cause problems. Up front, Davy Dowling is still some way off full fitness, which is more than acceptable after four years out. When he gets that little bit sharper, he will certainly be a threat to First Division defences, largely due to his aerial ability. Finding a goalscoring partner for him must be Greene's main objective.

On Monday night, 19 year-old David Murphy, from Monastrevin, who has just been let go by Celtic, got a chance to impress. It is hard to say on just 45 minutes but he is a strong player, who looked reasonably capable. However, Athlone are thought to be facing competition from Kildare County and Drogheda United (who have signed Andy Myler) for his signature. "David will play for us against Bohs' on Saturday night and has indicated that he is interested. With our budget it depends on other offers though," said Greene.

Hasan Rachid's ambitious diving header after 19 minutes was the closest Shels' came to breaching Athlone's resistance before former Athlone star, Trevor Molloy showed his obvious class when he skilfully turned Ronan Frawley in the box. In desperation, Frawley dragged him back. Penalty. Up stepped Molloy. But Curran had the answer - diving low to his left and holding onto the ball.

Athlone's only chance of the first half came just before the break. It was route one but almost paid off. Curran's long punt upfield was flicked on by Dowling and into the path of Murphy. Unfortunately for the striker he pulled his shot across the face of goal and just wide. The way the game went never allowed anybody to put their foot on the ball and keep it - Shels' boss Pat Fenlon will hardly be pleased with that aspect of their game. Curran was extremely alert to block-stop Molloy's effort after 52 minutes but then Athlone could have snatched it. Substitute Warren Parkes used his physical strength to muscle Jim Gannon off the ball and power a well struck shot at goal. Williams got down well but pushed the ball into the path of Dowling who looked odds on to score. However, Williams showed why he is rated as the best keeper in the country by springing up to deflect Dowling's rebound around the post. Super goalkeeping.

But one expects that if Dowling is given the same chance in a couple of weeks he will finish it. Ollie Cahill did loop a header onto the top of Athlone's crossbar late on but apart from that, Athlone looked fairly comfortable against quality opposition.' There could be better times ahead for Athlone Town, whose First Division Cup campaign begins on Friday 5th July against Kilkenny City.


Athlone Town: Shane Curran; Chris Malone; Adrian Carberry; Ronan Frawley; Conor Frawley; Michael Collins; Stephen Kelly; Henry Kenny; Davy Dowling; David Murphy; Eric Molloy. Subs: Warren Parkes for Murphy; Damien Rushe for Molloy (both 45 mins); Alan Clarke for Kenny (70 mins); Robert Shine for R. Frawley (73 mins); Tony Izzi for Dowling (74 mins); Gary Byme for Malone (84 mins).

Shelbourne: Steve Williams; Owen Heary; David Crawley; Jim Gannon; Barry Prenderville; Jim Crawford; Stuart Byrne; Trevor Molloy; Oilie Cahill; Hasan Rachid; Richie Baker. Subs: Davy Byme for Crawford (66 mins); Gavin O'Brien for Baker (76 mins). Referee: Mr,,Paul Murphy.


As for other friendlies, the League has confirmed, and some Bohs fans that we are playing them in Dalymount this Saturday with a 7pm kickoff. Mullingar were supposed to be in Mel's tonight, but I don't know if it's going ahead.

[atfconline]

Jimmy was on Radio Three Sport there a little while ago, and said that there is a friendly against Mullingar tomorrow, Thursday in Willow Park.

Also we do play Bohemians on Saturday in Dalymount Park