Rob Manley may take the plaudits for his two goals that put Cabinteely top (for 24 hours at least) of the SSE Airtricity League First Division. But Keith Dalton’s 25-yard thunderbolt played a major part in the Green and White’s 3-2 win over Athlone
Rob Manley may take the plaudits for his two goals that put Cabinteely top (for 24 hours at least) of the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
But Keith Dalton’s 25-yard thunderbolt played a major part in the Green and White’s 3-2 win over Athlone Town on Friday at Stradbrook.
The Midlanders led 1-0 and pegged back their Dublin opponents to 2-2 until Manley’s late winner created history as Cabo went to the top of the charts for the first time since entering the League of Ireland back in 2015.
“It was a mad auld game to be fair. It was up and down really. Anyone could have won it. Sure, we got the win. That’s all that matters,” stated Dalton who opened his season account when making it 2-1.
The winger also praised team-mate Manley who has now netted nine goals to lead the scoring stakes.
“Rob’s absolutely flying – he’s a top lad. He just works for the team. He’ll always get a chance. He’s always there to score a goal,” claimed the Wicklow native.
“The boys are just getting chances and putting them away. It’s taking the pressure off the midfield and defence. Luke Clucas has chipped in with a few goals. I know (Kieran) Marty (Waters) will come into form and start banging goals in. I know that for sure. It’s great to have the boys up front.”
Despite their best ever-start to the season which has included three victories on the spin, Cabinteely’s mantra has been one-game at a time since before the campaign began.
“There’s no easy game. We are just taking one game at a time. And see how it goes. That’s it. We’re not worried about the league at this stage. We’ll see were that takes us,” said Dalton.
