Athlone Town 1 - 2 Finn Harps

[atfconline]

We were brutal in the first half. Particularly in defence, no one shouting for the ball with plenty of mix ups. The first goal should have been dealt with by putting it out for a corner. Second goal. Big high ball coming in, not too far inside our half. Shine had all the time in the world, then just decides to kick air . Ball bounces on and McHugh puts it away.

We woke up then in the second half. Molloy was brought down in the box, Kelly converted the peno. Mullin went close a few mins later, just couldn't stretch far enough to get the ball. Holt replaced him afterwards, didn't look anything special. He didn't get any close range frees though. We took some stupid quick frees with none of them coming off. Can't remember us having any more shots on goal, if any at all.

Line up was Moran, O'Brien, A Kelly, Shine, Jackson, Collins, Gavin, Mullin, McCann, Kelly & Molloy. Subs. Holt for Mullin.

[Ash]

Did much of a crowd turn up for the game?

I couldnt get out of work in time for the train
so ended up in Tolka instead!

[Oh No]

The usual crowd turned uo, 300-400 maybe. Great to see the young lads on the half way line singing and chanting.

We were poor in the first half with lots of mix ups in defence. We also have a major tendency to give teams far too much respect to the opposition.

We gifted the two goals, the first ball was received by McHugh on the end line six yards from our post in the middle of two defenders. He had no right to get that ball and indesiveness by the two defenders allowed him to pull the ball back to unmarked Lyodd who gave Moran no chance. Another boo boo by Shine allowed McHugh a clear run on goal to score with a great shot to the corner.
We were terrorised on the left wing by their no. 8, the guy had all the time in the world and walked to the edge of our penalty area sometimes without challenge. Young O'Brien was overworked in this area but had very little support due to poor defending by midfielder Gavin.
The half time talk certainly made a difference and Athlone more than held their own in the second half though without creating too many chances. Mullin and McCann are a good combination and played well but the supply was not great and had to live with high balls sent in from 30 to 40 yards out.

The introduction of Hold with 20 to go helped create a little more width to the side. Playing in the centre of midfield he provided lots of assured ball to both wings and helped Molloy get more forward to the endline. I liked him and if partnering Kelly in the centre of midfield could be the answer to a lot of our problems.

We need to concentrate too on set piece stuff, Molloy hit some great corners last night but were poorly dealth with by our inability to head on target.

Overall a mixed night, we need to believe we can live with the big boys as we can; the squad has great potential but needs a win to instill some confidence. Jimmy should start with Holt and Kelly in centre midfield, it gives balance. With a bit more work on the defence in training we could be well balanced.