Kildare County 1 - 3 Athlone Town

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Athlone Town recorded that all important first win of the season tonight with a 3-1 win over Kildare County at Station Road, Newbridge.

Athlone had to wait until the eight game last season before they tasted victory with a 4-0 drubbing of Cobh Ramblers. However it was too late by then and with the shortened 22 series season this year, an early win was vitally important to stay out of the bottom end of the table from early on.

After Kildare had their first choice goalkeeper Fred Davis sent off in the first minute, midfielder Stephen Kelly got Town off the mark two minutes later scoring his second league goal in three games, and his fifth in total from eight games. Michael Harney doubled that lead three minutes before the break. Under-21 player Harney was only in the team as a number of first team regulars were missing due to injury.

The Thoroughbreds pulled one back in the 58nd minute when ex-Longford Town player Keith O'Connor put the ball in the back of the Town net . However he was sent off five minutes later reducing County to nine men. With numerical advantage, Town went on to score their third in the 89th minute, Micky Collins the scorer this time.

Athlone are now in seventh place for the visit of third placed Finn Harps next Friday September 20th 2002.

Athlone Town: Curran, Fitzell, Dowling (Oliver, 16), Carberry, Shine, Harney, Kenny, Devine, Parkes (Mullen, 60), Kelly, Collins.